LAS ANOD, Somalia – Somalia’s newest federal member state, Northeastern State, has elected its first president in a landmark vote that could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of national elections in 2026.
Abdikadir Firdhiye was declared president on Saturday after his rival, Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed, withdrew from the final round of voting in LasAnod, the state capital. Firdhiye secured 37 votes in the first round, while Khalif received 20.
The election took place under curfew and heavy security as ten contenders — five presidential and five vice-presidential candidates — competed for office.
Officials say the peaceful transfer of leadership is a milestone for Somalia’s fragile federal system, which has struggled to balance regional autonomy with central authority.
Firdhiye previously led the SSC-Khaatumo administration during a two-year interim period. His experience, observers say, positions him to steer the new state through the challenges of governance and integration into Somalia’s broader federal framework.
Despite objection by Puntland and Somaliland, the vote is widely viewed as a key step toward Somalia’s long-delayed constitutional review and the 2026 national elections.
Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, in a separate statements issued by their offices, welcomed the result, praising the new leadership’s “qualities and commitment to progress.”
