Somaliland's President-Elect Praises Muse Bihi as 'Hero' for Peaceful Power Transition

HARGEISA, Somalia - Somaliland's president-elect Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi alias Irro has termed his predecessor Muse Bihi Abdi as the actual 'hero' in the recently concluded elections, acknowledging the urge for a peaceful transition of power.

The Electoral Commission in Somaliland declared Irro the winner of the presidential election, trouncing Muse Bihi Abdi, having garnered 63.9% of the votes cast. Bihi, an ex-Somalia Air Force pilot, managed 34.8%, effectively ending his 7-year stay in power.

In a statement, Irro, who has traditionally clashed with Kulmiye party bigwigs, extended his gratitude to the outgoing leadership, noting that its willingness to hand over power peacefully signifies the maturity of the region's democracy.

"President Bihi is the victor, having adeptly carried out his extensive electoral responsibilities and upheld his constitutional duties with remarkable efficiency and integrity,” says Somaliland’s new president Abdirahman Irro.

Somaliland’s ruling Kulmiye party urged its supporters to graciously accept defeat and congratulate Abdirahman Irro, the break-away region's new president-elect from the opposition Waddani party, following his resounding victory in the Nov. 13 presidential election.

The election comes at a time when the region is fighting for international recognition after three decades of declaring independence from Somalia. However, the region remains Somalia’s territory, with Mogadishu pledging to end ongoing dialogue.

The US issued its statement arguing that 'Somaliland’s impressive record of elections and peaceful transfers of power is a model for the region and beyond'. Washington DC joined other international partners in lauding the organizers of the election.

Djibouti's Ismail Guelleh said: "We congratulate Abdirahman Irro and the brotherly people of Somaliland for their political maturity in continuously adhering to the ethics of elections held under the sign of order, peace, and stability."

GAROWE ONLINE