Breaking News: Former Goobjoog Media Group CEO elected 1st deputy Speaker of Somalia’s Senate

Abshir Mohamed Ahmed Bukhari was elected as the first deputy Speaker of the newly inaugurated Upper House chamber of Federal Parliament after defeating his opponents in the third round of polling in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday.

Seven candidates were seen favorites in the first round of polling, who are Hassan Farah Hujaale, Ahmed Haashi Mahamud, Abdiwahid Elmi Omar, Abshir Mohamed Ahmed, Abdi Ahmed Duhulow, Mohamud Ahmed Mahamud and Abdirisaaq Osman Ali.

The top four head have been qualified to move second round but later on Abdirisaq Osman Jurille droped from race.

In the third round, which saw the victory of Bukhaari for the Senate Deputy Speaker,  52 Upper House members have cast their votes among the candidates, according to the poll results.

Bukhaari won the election after obtaining 30 votes against Abdi Ahmed Dhuhulow who received 22 votes in the third round of voting.

Bukhari who is representing Galmudug state was the first Senator elected in Somalia.

The Senator previously worked with BBC and Al Jazeera.

Sunday’s election will mark the conclusion of Somalia’s bicameral Parliament, which will pave the way to prepare for the forthcoming Somali presidential election.