Somalia’s Puntland state reelects Saed Abdullahi Deni as President

Somalia’s Puntland regional state lawmakers have re-elected Saed Abdullahi Deni as the President of the semi-autonomous territory in eastern Somalia following an election on Monday in Garowe town.

He defeated 10 other candidates, including his predecessor Dr Abdiweli Gaas, and former Somalia’s minister of foreign affairs Abshir Haruse in the hotly contested presidential polls.

The election was held in the parliament house in Garowe, where 66 lawmakers cast their votes among the presidential candidates vying for the highest office of Puntland state of Somalia.

In the third round of the presidential election, Said Abdullahi Deni secured 45 votes, while his opponent, Guled Salah Barre, received 21 votes and was declared as the regional President after he defeated his closest runner.

The Federal government and regional administrations have congratulated Saed Abdullahi Deni on his reelection who will lead Puntland for the next five years.