New Somaliland president: ‘The victorious is democracy’

[Jacaylbaro]

The newly elected president, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Mohamoud has issued a press release thanking all his supporters and friends.

 

“I want to congratulate all the Somaliland people for the orderly way which our election has concluded that took place on June 26,2010″ he said.

 

The president-elect also sent a message of congratulations to the National Electoral Commission for fulfilling their duty and over coming all obstacles to make the historical vote possible in such a short time.

 

In his message Mr. Mohammed expressed his deep satisfaction of the long-standing relations of friendship and fruitful cooperation between Somaliland and Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia is an important ally for Somaliland and specially thanked them for mediating between Somaliland parties during elections delays in 2009. While reaffirming his commitment to strengthen the relations for the good of the two friendly nations, he said: “We are people who return favors,” referring to Ethiopia resolving the 2009-election disputes in the country and during late 1980s when Ethiopia hosted thousands of Somaliland refugees.

 

The president-elect also thanked EU nations and the United States for their support. He expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Djibouti.

 

Mr Mohammed expressed his gratitude to the two other political parties; the out-going UDUB party and the second opposition UCID. “I want to thank UDUB and UCID directly and their supporters. I will assure you they will receive total respect and rights in their country. I will be extending them an invitation for consultation,” he said.

 

The newly democratically elected president finally thanked his supporters and the Somaliland public.

 

He highlighted that hard work lies ahead. “Remember we will not take our shoes of until all promises we made to our country are fulfilled.”

 

The out-going President, Mr. Dahir Riyale Kahin also congratulated Mr Mohammed while the second opposition leader, Faisal Ali Warabe has reportedly congratulated the new president at least twice in the past 24 hours. Mr Riyale promised to step down and hand over the responsibilities.

 

Mr Mohammed hailed his Kulmiy Party victory as great day for democracy. “The victorious is democracy which is the only path for freedom and prosperity,” he said.

 

Meanwhile members of Somalia’s transitional government led by Minister for Employment, Mr. Mohammed Abdi Hayir held a press conference in Mogadishu praising the elections in Somaliland. They congratulated the people of Somaliland and the new president but urged “to maintain their peace and stability”.

 

The state-owned television, National Television, also for the first time in it’s history has televised a balanced analysis of the election and referred to the new president as “President” and Mr Riyale as the “former president”. This was major move by the television, just few days ago it was accused of broadcasting only UDUB campaigns.

 

Mr Mohammed received 49.6 percent of the vote while the outgoing president, Dahir Riyale Kahin, managed 33.2 percent and second opposition party UCID led by Faisal Ali Warabe received 17.2 percent.

 

Before the NEC announced the final count on Thursday evening, members of the national defense were dispatched to the private home of Mr. Mohammed where they inspected all visitors. It is believed, the leader of Somaliland’s armed forces, Col. Nuh Osman Tani received information about the result and ordered the protection of Mr. Mohammed.

 

The Supreme Court will endorse the new president in the coming fortnight and Mr Riyale is expected to hand over the presidency within 30 days.

[Jacaylbaro]