LAASCAANOOD, Somalia (Kaab TV) – Lawmakers of the newly inaugurated Northeast State of Somalia on Saturday elected a regional president in a hotly contested and costly vote marred by allegations of widespread bribery.
Incumbent leader Abdukadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as “Firdhiye,” retained his position after winning 62 votes in the second round of polling by the 83-member assembly, whose members were selected by local clans.
Firdhiye’s main rival, Abdirisak Khalif, a former speaker of Somaliland’s parliament and an influential Dhulbahante figure, walked out of the chamber during the second round, reportedly dissatisfied with the process. Khalif had secured 20 votes in the first round.
A third candidate, former minister Jamal Mohamed Hassan, received 15 votes in the opening round before reportedly striking a deal to back Firdhiye in the runoff.
In the parallel contest for vice president, Firdhiye’s running mate Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril – a former speaker of Puntland’s parliament who later defected – won with 65 votes, securing the deputy leadership.
The election was overshadowed by claims of massive vote-buying. Multiple MPs told reporters they were offered between $15,000 and $30,000 each in exchange for their support.
Sources alleged that Somalia’s federal government funneled around $3 million in cash into Laascaanood to bolster Firdhiye’s candidacy.
The Northeast State was proclaimed just two weeks ago with the backing of the federal government in Mogadishu.
Analysts say the move is part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s strategy to strengthen alliances against Puntland and Somaliland, while also consolidating support ahead of his own re-election campaign, with his term due to expire in May 2026.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre swiftly congratulated Firdhiye on his victory, pledging federal support.
“I wish President Abdukadir Ahmed Aw-Ali and his deputy, Mr. Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, success in providing leadership that unites the people of the Northeast, and in working for peace, development, and good governance. The Federal Government of Somalia is ready to stand by the regional administration to jointly advance the completion of federalism,” President Mohamud said in a statement.