Laascaanood, Somalia – Abdulkadir Ahmed Aw-Cali, widely known as Firdhiye, has been officially elected as the President of the newly established Northeastern Somalia regional state, following a closely watched election held today in Laascaanood.

Firdhiye secured a decisive victory with 62 votes, defeating his rival Cabdirisaaq Khaliif Axmed, who received 18 votes. The outcome marks the conclusion of an intense political contest that has gripped the region in recent months.

Observers say Firdhiye’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the political and administrative direction of the regional state, with hopes pinned on stability, governance reforms, and development planning.

With the presidential vote concluded, attention now turns to the election of the Vice President, a process that is set to complete the formation of the new regional administration.