Kahin sworn in as Somaliland's President for for a five-year term
HARGEISA, 17 MAY 2003--Dahir Riyale Kahin took the oath on May 26 as the first elected president of Somaliland since the former British colony restored its sovereignty and seceded from Somalia.

Kahin and his Vice President Ahmed Yussuf Yassint were sworn in a ceremony attended by members of Somaliland's two legislative chambers, cabinet members, foreign dignitaries and other personalities.

The swearing-in came as the climax of a dramatic election in which the ruling party UDUB won by a slim majority and the opposition Kulmiye party contested the election results. The court issued a verdict on 13 May upholding the Election Commission's outcome and giving the victory to UDUB.MORE