Somaliland Opposition Leader Wins Presidential Election Amid High Stakes

In a historic outcome, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” of the opposition Waddani Party has emerged victorious in Somaliland’s presidential election, securing a decisive win over incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye Party. Preliminary results indicate Irro garnered approximately 63.8% of the votes, while Bihi trailed with 35.4%. The third contender, Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party, received less than 1% of the votes.

This election, Somaliland’s fourth since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, was conducted peacefully, with a turnout of 680,000 voters out of 1.2 million registered. However, voter participation was lower than anticipated.

Irro’s campaign focused on democratic reforms, economic revitalization, and bolstering Somaliland’s bid for international recognition. The election outcome is seen as a critical shift in the political landscape of the unrecognized state, which has maintained stability and self-governance for over three decades.

The electoral process attracted international observers and proceeded without major incidents, reinforcing Somaliland’s reputation for orderly elections compared to the instability in Somalia. However, the road to this election was fraught with delays and controversy, including debates over the participation of new political organizations alongside established parties.

Irro’s win is expected to influence Somaliland’s ongoing negotiations for global recognition, particularly its recent agreement with Ethiopia granting coastal access in exchange for acknowledgment, a move that has escalated tensions with Somalia.

As final results are formalized, the election marks a turning point for Somaliland, setting the stage for new leadership and potential shifts in its quest for legitimacy on the global stage.