GAROWE– Somalia’s Puntland State ncumbent Said Abdullahi Deni has on Monday been re-elected in a tight race in Garowe town.
Deni was declared the winner in the third round of the elections after garnering 45 of the total 66 votes while his closest competitor Dr. Guled Salah received 21 votes .
Deni will serve as the President of the Semi-autonomous oil-rich State for a second five-year term becoming the first leader in the regional State to win re-election.
#Somalia's Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni wins second five-year term in office after emerging victorious in s closely watched Presidential race in #Garowe town on Sunday.
Deni received 45 votes while his closest contender Guled Salah got 21 votes in the third round… pic.twitter.com/TBT4P03k0t
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) January 8, 2024
Six six lawmakers of the regional Assembly participate in the election process.
Somalia Federal Government President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre have both conveyed their congratulatory messages to President Deni for emerging victorious.
Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Mudane Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud ayaa hambalyo u diray Madaxweynaha dib loo doortay ee Puntland Mudane Siciid Cabdullaahi Deni, isagoo u rajeeyey in uu ku guleysto waajibaadka loo igmaday. pic.twitter.com/rRP9Y3mypM
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) January 8, 2024
They wished him well as he embarks on his second term in office.
Deni defeated big political stalwarts in the region and federal level including his predecessor Abdiweli Ali Gaas and former Foreign Affairs minister Abshir Jamaa Huruse.
