Ahmed Ali Hashi elected as the new speaker of Puntland parliament

The lawmakers of Somalia’s northeastern semi-antonymous region of Puntland have elected Ahmed Ali Hashi as the new speaker after an election in Garowe city on Monday morning.

Ahmed Ali Hashi, who is said to be a close ally to Puntland leader Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gas got 41 votes during the second round of the voting, beating his rival contender Abdihakin Dhoba-Darod.

64 MPs cast their votes during the election.

Mr Hashi has previously became Puntland parliament speaker from 2006 to 2008.