Somalia’s Puntland state assembly elects new speaker

GAROWE, Puntland - The lawmakers of Somalia’s northeastern Puntland State have unanimously voted on Thursday to elect Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril as the new speaker a week after ousting Abdikahim Dhobo-Dareed, Garowe Online reports.

The election took place amid tight security in the capital Garowe with troops deployed into the main roads leading to the venue. Last week, 3 people, including soldiers died in a gunfight between former speaker's loyalists and security forces.

The second deputy speaker of the State parliament, Abdiaziz Abdullahi Osman has announced Jibril as the winner of the poll, which saw 63 legislators cast their ballots.

Jibril garnered 47 votes in the second round of the election, trouncing his nearest rival contender Abdijamal Osman who won 17 votes. The house consists of 66 members.

The contenders who lost in the election congratulated Jibril for his election and urged him to lead the MPs in a fair manner. For his part, the elated new speaker thanked the lawmakers and promised to work hard to unite them.

GAROWE ONLINE