Garowe(Mogadishu24)-The incumbent President, Said Abdullahi Deni was on Monday re-elected as Puntland State leader in the coming five years’ term after winning majority votes in highly contested presidential election during the second round in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland.

Chairperson of the election commission announced the result that Said Abdullahi Deni won and congratulated him on his re-election.

Guled Salah, the closest candidate accepted defeat, congratulating Deni on his re-election. Deni won with 45 votes. 11 candidates were running for the presidency while 10 others will compete to the deputy post.

Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Said Abdullahi Deni on his re-election as President of Puntland State in a Facebook post.

Former President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo also congratulated President Said Abdullahi Deni.