BELEDWEYN (SD) – The former NISA commander won seat # HOP058, receiving 54 votes and won in the first round, which means a one-vote majority.

Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe, an opponent of Villa Somalia, win was widely welcomed by Somalia’s opposition parties.

Nur Idow Beyle, the incumbent, did not contest since preferred delegates names were not forwarded by elders and civil society groups selecting the delegates to elect the lawmaker.

Sanbalolshe is one of more than 20 former and current NISA employees who are elected to Somalia’s 11th Parliament.