By Shire Abdi - Reporter
DHUSAMAREB, Somalia — Galmudug President Ahmed Kariye Qoor Qoor said he will not seek re-election citing regional state.
Speaking during a ceremony marking Somalia's Independence Day on June 26 in the state capital, Dhusamareb, Qoor Qoor said he had decided to withdraw from the presidential race.
"I have decided to withdraw from the current electoral process and step aside," he said.
The outgoing president said his decision was motivated by his commitment to preserving Galmudug's unity and ensuring the state continues on its current path of development, stressing that he did not want political competition to undermine the progress made during his administration.
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Qoor Qoor added that he will remain in office until the electoral process is completed and will hand over power peacefully to the winner.
"Until the process is concluded, I will continue to serve as president. Whoever is elected will inherit a united, stable and forward-looking Galmudug," he said.
His announcement comes amid growing political speculation over the future leadership of Galmudug, as preparations for the state's leadership transition have intensified in recent weeks.
The decision also comes as Somalia's federal government continues to push for broader electoral reforms, including plans to introduce one-person, one-vote elections in parts of the country, making developments in Galmudug closely watched for their potential national political implications.