Female opposition candidate floors Villa Somalia-backed rival in Galkaayo

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALKAAYO: A women-only contest in Galkaayo Sunday saw the election of a little known candidate trouncing the incumbent who had the backing of Villa Somalia in a rare case of a democratic process in an election which has largely been more of a selection. 

Qali Ali Shire won HOP060 seat in a fiercely fought election that took place in Galkayo, the second constituency of Galmudug State, on Sunday evening.

The seat reserved for women was contested by four women candidates. In the second round, Qali Ali Shire was voted in by 61 delegates while Ubah Tahlil Warsame, one of the foremost allies of Farmaajo and who has held the seat for the past ten years, received 40 votes.

Sunday’s elections were scheduled to take place Monday morning, but were delayed after a dispute arose over the selected delegates among some candidates.

With Qaali’s Sunday victory was a rare development in an electoral process marked by the victories of those in good books with either Villa Somalia or Federal Member State presidents.