Former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was re-elected as the 10th president of Somalia, defeating incumbent President Mohamed Farmajo in the third round of vote held in capital Mogadishu on Sunday.

Farmajo's mandate ended in February last year but he stayed on amid a delay in the holding of parliamentary elections.

Mohamud, 67, who was previously president from 2012-2017, becomes the first president to be elected twice in the history of Somalia.

After a marathon poll involving 36 candidates that was broadcast live on state TV, parliamentary officials counted over 165 votes in favor of former president Mohamud, more than the number required to defeat the incumbent president.

Mohamud is the leader of the Union for Peace and Development party, which commands a majority of seats in both legislative chambers. He is well-known for his work as a civic leader and education promoter. During the campaign, he vowed that his government would be inclusive.

In Somalia, the president is elected by members of parliament and senators. To be elected, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes, or 184 votes.

(With input from agencies)