Faith Nyasuguta
Little-known opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, aged 44, received congratulatory remarks from Senegal’s incumbent president, Macky Sall, signaling his apparent victory as the nation’s next president. The Senegalese News Agency (APS) reported that the constitutional council would declare the results from April 3rd.
The former prime minister, another leading contender backed by President Sall, conceded defeat based on initial results. Diomaye Faye welcomed this gesture, stating, “I salute the approach of the other candidates who, without exception, have honored a very Senegalese tradition without even waiting for the official results to be announced by the authorized state bodies. Their congratulatory messages are eloquent testimony to their greatness.”
In his address in Dakar, Diomaye Faye pledged to govern with humility and combat corruption while advancing Africa’s political and economic integration.
He assured Senegal’s international partners of reliability and cooperation, emphasizing, “Senegal will always honor its commitments. It will remain a friendly country and a secure and reliable ally for any partner that engages with us in virtuous, respectful, and mutually productive cooperation.”
Reflecting the frustration among youth over high unemployment and governance concerns, Diomaye Faye’s performance resonated with voters. A protege of Ousmane Sonko, he vowed to shield Senegal from corruption and external interference.
Sonko, released from prison on March 14, had been barred from running due to a prior conviction, prompting Faye to stand in his place. The election followed months of unrest sparked by Faye and Sonko’s arrest, fueled by concerns about a potential third term for the president despite constitutional limits.
From a former tax collector to presidential hopeful, Faye’s journey symbolizes resilience. His modest origins in central Senegal and devout Muslim faith add depth to his character. Despite facing charges, including defamation, he emerged as a formidable contender.
The election witnessed over 7 million registered voters in a country of approximately 17 million. To secure victory, candidates needed to surpass 50% of the vote. Notably, this election marked the absence of a sitting president on the ballot, adhering to term limits that prevented Sall from seeking re-election.
Civil society observers, represented by COSCE, reported a turnout exceeding 61%, highlighting the significance of the democratic process in Senegal’s politics.
Regarding the preliminary results, APS indicated that the constitutional council would announce the final outcome starting April 3rd. However, the former prime minister, considered a frontrunner, contested the projections, suggesting a runoff vote might be necessary.
Despite challenges and uncertainties, Senegal stands on the cusp of a new era under the leadership of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, promising a fresh trajectory and renewed hope for its citizens.
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