THE National Electoral Commission of Somaliland has announced opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ as the winner of the presidential election, defeating incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi in a peaceful contest.
Irro, representing the Waddani party, secured a landslide victory with 63.92 percent of the vote. Bihi, the ruling Kulmiye party candidate, garnered 34.81 percent, while Faysal Ali Warabe, leader of the UCID party, received 0.74 percent.
The election, initially scheduled for 2022 but delayed due to political disagreements, was praised by international observers for its calm and orderly conduct. However, minor procedural inconsistencies were noted, with recommendations made for future improvements.
A mandate for change
Irro campaigned on a platform of change, promising to prioritise economic development, increase job opportunities, and promote gender equality in employment. His victory signals a significant shift in Somaliland’s political landscape, ending Bihi’s tenure after he narrowly defeated Irro in the 2017 election.
‘After years of political disputes and delays, Somaliland has once again demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles,’ said human rights lawyer Guleid Ahmed Jama.
However, Jama cautioned that Irro faces a divided and polarised nation. ‘The president-elect should prioritise national unity and avoid treating this as a zero-sum victory. A government of national unity could be pivotal in addressing Somaliland’s challenges,’ he added.
Election observations
The International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) commended the electoral process, noting it was conducted in a ‘mostly calm and peaceful environment.’ While there were no major irregularities, the mission highlighted areas for improvement, including voter education and the maintenance of an up-to-date voter register.
‘Ensuring the secrecy of the vote and enhancing administrative procedures through better training are crucial for strengthening Somaliland’s democratic institutions,’ the mission reported.
Who is Abdirahman Irro?
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Irro, was born in Hargeisa on April 29,1955. He holds an MBA from SIDAM/New York State University and speaks Somali, English, Arabic, Russian, and Finnish.
Irro began his career as a diplomat with Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later moving to Finland, where he became a leader in Somaliland’s diaspora community. Returning to Somaliland in 1999, he entered politics, serving as Speaker of Parliament for 12 years. In 2012, he co-founded the Waddani party and became its first chairman.
Under his leadership, Waddani became the majority party in Somaliland’s parliament following the 2021 elections.
Diplomatic hurdles ahead
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its sovereignty remains unrecognised internationally. Both Irro and Bihi expressed hopes for a shift in US policy towards Somaliland. Irro recently congratulated former US President Donald Trump on his political return, underscoring Somaliland’s aspiration to strengthen ties with the United States.
‘Somalilanders are thrilled with bold policies towards Somaliland and look forward to advancing the Somaliland-U.S. partnership,’ Irro stated, pledging to promote stability and prosperity in East Africa.
Challenges for the president-elect
Irro’s presidency comes at a critical time for Somaliland, which faces economic pressures and unresolved political tensions. Observers believe his ability to form a government of national unity will be key to addressing these issues.
With democratic institutions gaining credibility and peaceful elections reinforcing stability, Irro’s leadership offers an opportunity to guide Somaliland towards a united and prosperous future.
