Friday January 4, 2019
GAROWE (HOL) - Puntland State parliament has a new speaker who was elected on Friday.
Mr Abdikahin Mohamed Ahmed was elected by lawmakers after two rounds of voting.
Three candidates were eyeing the speaker's seat.
Mr Mohamed garnered 43 votes against his closest competitor who garnered 23 votes.
After he was announced winner, Mr Mohamed thanked the lawmakers for believing in him.
"I thank those who voted for me without forgetting those that voted against me. This is a historical day and will lead to a more democratic Puntland during my tenure," he said.
He promised to serve the fairly and ensure that the interest of people in the State are given first priority.
Mr Abdiaziz Abdullahi was also elected as the Deputy Speaker.
He was being challenged by two other candidates.
Puntland state is expected to hold its presidential election next week.
Last week, their was fury over the selection of the lawmakers who participated in the election after it emerged that only one out of the 66 was female.