Somalia: Federal MP, Ex-PM elected as Khaatumo President

LASANOD, Somalia August 14, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Federal Member of Parliament and former Transitional National Government (TNG) Prime minister Ali Khalif Galaydh has been elected as the President of mini state in northern Somalia on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

The outgoing Khaatumo leader Mohamed Yusuf Jama (Indho Sheel) and Galaydh competed for the presidency in Sool region town of Saah Dheer, with the latter securing 21 votes out of the 31 votes casted. Indho Sheel accepted defeat after he received 9 while one vote was spoiled during the last round of voting.

Assembly members selected by local clan elders also handpicked Abdul Sulub for Vice Presidential post.

Meanwhile in Sool regional capital of Lasanod hundreds of residents poured into the streets to rally for the election of Federal MP Galaydh but they have been forcefully disbanded by Somaliland Army troops, local journalist Hamze Darwish told Puntland-based independent station Radio Garowe.

"After Police forces failed to disperse Pro-Galaydh rally participants, army soldiers in pick-up trucks arrived at the scene of peaceful rallies," said Darwish. Volleys of gunfire could be heard and some persons are said to have been injured.

Puntland and Somaliland have fought sporadic battles since 2002 over the control of territories mainly in Sool region following the seizure of Lasanod in military offensive in October 2007 by Somaliland forces.

GAROWE ONLINE