GAROWE, Somalia, August 20, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Garowe city councilors have elected a new mayor in a transparent ballot box on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Hassan Mohamed Isse (Hassan Godir) has been picked in the closely fought municipal contest held at Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) with Puntland government officials present.

Godir defeated his closest rival Awil Sheikh Hamud by 3 votes after all other candidates including outgoing interim mayor Ahmed Saed Gelle (Shode) were eliminated in the first and second rounds of voting.

Osman Mohamed has also been chosen as deputy mayor, election committee announced.

Puntland Interior Minister, Ahmed Elmi Osman (Karash) congratulated Hassan Godir on his election as the mayor of the capital city over the next five years.

“It appears that Puntland has moved forward, the ballot box was secret and every councilor voted in favor of a candidate,” Shode told reporters shortly after the election.

In attendance during the encounter were also Members of Parliament, politicians and representatives from civil society.

Prior to the crucial vote, the state capital’s political atmosphere had been awash with lobbying.

Despite delays, traditional leaders completed the selection of new city council members this week. 

GAROWE ONLINE