section_path: President of Somalia/First Administration
section_name: First Administration
paragraph_text: First Administration
  
  On 10 September 2012, legislators elected Hassan President of Somalia during the country's 2012 presidential elections. After the first round of voting, former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed emerged as the frontrunner, amassing 64 votes. Hassan was a close second with 60 votes, and Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali placed third with 32 votes. Hassan went on to earn a lopsided win in the final round, defeating Sharif. Despite allegations of corruption and bribery securing the votes required for Hassan's election, Sharif and others did not dispute the results.
  
  Hassan's appointment was welcomed throughout the world. The UN Special Representative for Somalia Augustine Mahiga issued a statement describing the election as a "great step forward on the path to peace and prosperity". Similarly, the AU Commission for Somalia hailed the selection and pledged to support the new leadership.
  
  On 16 September 2012, Hassan was formally inaugurated as President of Somalia. On 6 October 2012, Hassan appointed political newcomer Abdi Farah Shirdon as the new Prime Minister of Somalia. On 4 November 2012, Shirdon named a new Cabinet, which was later endorsed by the legislature on 13 November 2012.