Somali President congratulates Abdiweli Mohammed Ali Gaas for his election as Puntland President and declares vote a victory for Somalia

PRESS RELEASE

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today congratulated Abdiweli Mohammed Ali Gaas for his victory in Puntland’s presidential elections and declared the result a victory for the new Somalia.

The President said: “I extend my personal congratulations to Abdiweli Mohammed Ali Gaas and I look forward to working closely with him as the government continues to build a federal Somalia. Puntland is a model for the rest of the country and what happens there matters very much.”

“I also pay tribute to all of the other candidates who contested these elections for the civilized manner in which the campaign was conducted. Puntland has shown the rest of Somalia and the world that the democratic culture is alive and well here and this is what must guide us as we rebuild our country.”

The President praised the Puntland Parliament for its “remarkably responsible role” managing the electoral process.

“The people’s representatives have spoken with their votes today, bringing to a close a productive political campaign in which the many issues facing Puntland were vigorously debated. The traditional elders of Puntland, the Electoral Commission and the courageous security forces deserve every credit for making this process such a success.”

The President thanked outgoing President Faroole for his leadership during the past five years, for staging the elections on time and accepting the results of the vote with “great dignity”.

ENDS