Hirshabelle lawmakers re-elected Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe as president in Jowhar on October 24 and chose Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as vice-president. Somalia Today reported the assembly’s announced presidential result and a presidency statement confirming both winners; Horseed also reported the outcome.
Both candidates represented the Justice and Solidarity Party. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated them and urged progress on security, reconciliation and public services. The leadership ballot follows the election of the regional assembly.
The outcome leaves a political dispute over power-sharing in place. Somalia Today reported that some Hiiraan politicians and traditional leaders wanted the presidency transferred to their region, while other local figures backed Guudlaawe. Outgoing vice-president Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabageed rejected the process. Those objections concern political acceptance of the result, alongside the assembly’s declared vote.