Somaliland Swears in New President
VOA News
27 July 2010
Somaliland has sworn in its new president, in a peaceful transfer of power the self-declared republic is hailing as a milestone in its progress towards democracy.
The inauguration of Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo took place Tuesday.
He won just short of 50 percent of the vote in June elections, beating incumbent Dahir Riyale Kahin.
The presidential election was Somaliland's first in seven years.
The Reuters news agency quotes Mr. Riyale as saying he handed over the presidency "with good spirit" and calling on his country to unite as it works for international recognition.
Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991.
International observers said the presidential election was mostly free and fair but noted some irregularities, such as underage voting and active campaigning by government workers for Mr. Riyale.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
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