Guudlaawe Returns for Second Term After Hirshabelle Poll Victory

GOOBJOOG NEWS|JOWHAR: Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe has secured a second term as president of Somalia’s Hirshabelle state following victory in Saturday’s parliamentary election in Jowhar.

Guudlaawe won 81 votes, defeating challenger Nur Ilmi Halane, who received 13. Regional parliament speaker Abdihakim Luqman said 98 lawmakers participated, with four ballots declared invalid.

Lawmakers also elected Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as vice-president. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated the pair, urging them to advance peace, reconciliation, state-building and public services.

Guudlaawe first won the presidency in November 2020, having previously served as vice-president. Saturday’s result keeps him at the helm of Hirshabelle, which comprises Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.

His return for another term comes amid opposition from sections of the Hiiraan community over political representation. Those grievances present a challenge for his administration as it seeks to strengthen security, advance reconciliation and improve services across the state.