Dar es Salaam, Feb. 15 -- ADDIS ABABA: DJIBOUTI Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has emerged victorious by defeating the former Deputy President of Kenya, Raila Odinga in a highly competitive race for the African Union Commissions chairmanship post.

Also lost in the race is a prominent politician from Madagascar, Richard Randriamandrato, who previously served as the countrys Foreign Affairs Minister.

The envoy from Madagascar looked a favourite candidate due to his influence and backing from the SADC member states.

Youssouf was declared the winner after several rounds of voting due to the 2/3 rule, which required the winner to secure 2/3 of the total 49 votes.

In the first round, Raila Odinga led, but failed to rea...