LAS ANOD, Somalia – Abdulkadir Ahmed Ali Firdhiye has won the presidency of the North Eastern Administration, based in the city of Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.
Firdhiye defeated several contenders, including Abdirisak Khalif, who reached the second round of voting but ultimately withdrew after candidate Jamaal Mohamed Hassan transferred his votes to Firdhiye.
Parliamentarians also elected Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril as Vice President of the North Eastern Administration. The results were largely anticipated, with the winning candidates receiving backing from the Somali Presidency.
The North Eastern Administration, previously known as SSC-Khaatumo, faces several challenges, including rebuilding efforts and tensions with Somaliland. The region is entering a new phase following this election.
Villa Somalia, the Presidential Palace, is said to have heavily funded the Las Anod elections for parliament speaker and president in a bid to support its preferred candidates.
