JOWHAR, Somalia — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday congratulated Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe on his re-election as president of Hirshabelle state, along with newly elected Vice-President Abdifitah Hassan Afrah.
The two leaders were elected in the regional capital, Jowhar, on Saturday, according to a statement from the presidency.
Hassan Sheikh wished the incoming leadership success in carrying out its responsibilities, highlighting the need to accelerate efforts to strengthen peace, reconciliation, state-building and the delivery of public services across Hirshabelle.
He also praised the electoral process that produced the new leadership, stressing the importance of advancing democratisation, strengthening state institutions and expanding public participation in Somalia’s political process.
Guudlaawe secured 81 votes in the presidential election, defeating rival candidate Nur Ilmi Khalane, who received 13 votes. Four ballots were declared invalid, according to the speaker of the Hirshabelle parliament.
The election comes as Somalia faces political disagreements over constitutional changes and the organisation of future elections, with opposition groups and some federal member states calling for broader political consensus.
Hirshabelle, which comprises the regions of Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan, is one of Somalia’s federal member states. Its leadership plays a role in local governance, security and efforts to improve public services in the region.
