Tue Nov 19 09:09:09 UTC 2024: ## Somaliland Opposition Leader Irro Wins Presidential Election in Landslide Victory

**Hargeisa, Somaliland –** Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, leader of the Waddani Party, has been declared the winner of Somaliland’s presidential election, securing a decisive victory with nearly 64% of the vote. The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced the results on Tuesday, ending a closely watched election delayed for two years due to funding shortages and other issues.

Irro defeated incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye Party, who received approximately 35% of the vote. The election, held last week, saw high voter turnout despite the delays.

Irro’s platform focused on revitalizing Somaliland’s economy and, crucially, securing international recognition for the self-declared republic. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, maintains its own government, currency, and security forces but lacks international recognition, hindering its access to vital international finance and limiting travel opportunities for its six million citizens.

This victory comes as Somaliland pursues a potentially controversial deal with Ethiopia that would grant Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for an “in-depth assessment” of Somaliland’s recognition. This agreement has angered Somalia, which considers it a violation of its sovereignty, and raised concerns of regional conflict. The deal has also drawn Somalia closer to Ethiopia’s rivals, Egypt and Eritrea.

Somaliland is also hopeful that a potential return of a Trump administration to power in the United States could lead to a reconsideration of US recognition of Mogadishu’s sovereignty over Somaliland, citing support from several former State Department officials who served under the previous Trump administration. Irro’s win is expected to solidify these efforts. The new president’s focus on international recognition is expected to be a key priority of his administration.

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