Mugadishu (WDN) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud ‘s ally and a former interior minister Abdikarim Hussein Guuleed, has won the presidency of the central region of Somalia – Galmudug. The victory of Mr. Abdikarim was expected as he was handpicked and financially supported by President Hassan.

The presidency of Galmudug region was contested by 6 candidates. After three voting rounds, the results of the election was announced by the newly created speaker of Galmudud Parliament, where Mr. Abdikarim was declared the winner with 49 votes followed by Ahmed Fiqi who secured 40 votes.

The creation of the central regions, Galmudug, faces many hurdles, as its believed Galmudug doesn’t comply with the Somali constitutional mandate, which calls for a minimum of 2 states as a pre requisite for the creation of regional states.

The core of the issue of Galmadug is its longstanding territorial tensions with Puntland. Both Puntland and Galmudug call some parts of the region, particularly the biggest city Galkacyo, as their own.

In another front, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jameeca, who is also contesting for Galmudug administration, has declared its own president, Mr. Ahmed Shakir for central regions of Somalia- Galmudug.

Now, President Hassan secured his man as the new president of the central regions – Galmudug as part of his 2016 election grab, the coming weeks and months will be a testimony of his success or lack thereof, on how he addresses the murky waters surrounding the central regions state- Galmudug.

WardheerNews