Vote moves to second round as Hassan Sheikh Mohamud leads first round

The race for the next occupant of Villa Somalia is moving to the second round after the first failed to produce a clear winner. The minimum threshold is 219 votes.

Incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the pack with 88 votes followed closely by former Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo with 72 votes. Former president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed came third with 49 votes while prime minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke closed the top four with 37.

The four are proceeding to the second round. Lawmakers are gathering for the second round after a 20 minutes break.

One vote was spoiled. All the four candidates polled a total of 246 votes while the rest shared the remaining 82. The 82 votes could tilt the vote in whichever direction.