Former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been re-elected as the 10th president of Somalia, defeating incumbent President Mohamed Farmajo in the third round of vote held in capital Mogadishu on Sunday.
This came after marathon poll involving 36 contestants that was broadcast live on state TV.
Parliamentary officials counted 214 votes in favour of former president Mohamud, far more than the number required to unseat the incumbent Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo.
Farmajo’s mandate ended in February 2021, but he remained in power amid a delay in holding of parliamentary elections.
Mohamud, 67, who was previously president from 2012-2017, becomes the first president to be elected twice in the history of Somalia.
Mohamud is the leader of the Union for Peace and Development party, which commands a majority of seats in both legislative chambers.
He is well-known for his work as a civic leader and vanguard for education. During the campaign, he vowed that his government would be inclusive.
In Somalia, the president is elected by members of parliament and senators. To be elected, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes, or at least184 votes.
Celebratory gunfire erupted in the capital Mogadishu, with many hoping that the vote will draw a line under a political crisis that has lasted well over a year.