Speaker elected in Mogadishu for first time in 20 years

Somali lawmakers have on Friday elected a new parliament speaker in Mogadishu for the first time in nearly 20 years , Radio Garowe reports.

Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden accumulated a total of 217 votes against his closest rival, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, who garnered 143 votes. The election was decided on the second round when Abdullahi abandoned his bid.

This is the second term in office for Sharif Hassan, a close associate of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. He was the speaker of the Somali parliament from 2004 to early 2006 but lost it to Sheikh Adan Mohammed Nur Madobe, who recently earlier this month as Speaker.

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