Senegal’s opposition presidential contender, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, emerged as a fresh face in politics, drawing strong support from disillusioned youth. He pledged on Monday to lead with humility and transparency if elected.
Faye is poised to assume the presidency, as his primary opponent graciously conceded defeat, prompting Faye to express gratitude to President Macky Sall and fellow candidates for upholding Senegal’s democratic values by acknowledging his imminent victory even before the official results are declared.
“In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past,” Faye told journalists in his first public appearance since the election. “I promise to govern with humility and transparency.”
Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
AAN reported on Monday that Ba and Sall both congratulated Faye, who turned 44 on Monday. They hailed the outcome as a win for Senegal, whose reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies took a hit when Sall postponed the vote.
“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy.. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said.
A smooth transfer of authority in Senegal would signify a significant stride for democracy in West Africa, a region that has endured eight military coups since 2020.
Some of the military factions that have seized control opted to sever ties with traditional allies like France and the U.S., instead seeking support from Russia to combat the escalating insurgents threat encroaching on neighbouring countries.
Reports indicating Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s imminent victory bolstered Senegal’s global standing, reversing earlier market downturns.
Many are optimistic that the election outcome will usher in stability and economic growth following three tumultuous years marked by political upheaval and deadly anti-government demonstrations.
“I am happy to see there is a wind of change,” said an opposition supporter named Tall, who joined revellers during the night as street celebrations broke out in anticipation of Faye’s victory.
“It is wonderful because democracy has won. Many thought it would not happen,” he said, giving only his first name.
The Dakar appeals court is anticipated to unveil the full official election results on Friday.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s rise to prominence owes much to the support of outspoken opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, who was disqualified from running due to a defamation conviction.
Both former tax inspectors, recently released from incarceration, united their efforts in a joint campaign under the banner “Diomaye is Sonko”, vowing to combat corruption and prioritise national economic interests.
Their message resonated strongly with young voters in Senegal, where over 60% of the population is under 25 and grapples with unemployment. Faye pledged to allocate more state resources to support the youth.
The opposition gained momentum amidst police crackdowns on protests, escalating living costs, and apprehensions over President Macky Sall’s potential bid to extend his tenure beyond constitutional boundaries.
Tensions heightened following attempts by authorities to postpone the vote by 10 months, initially slated for February. Investors remained cautious about the prospect of a less business-friendly government compared to Sall’s administration, which attracted substantial investments in infrastructure.
As Senegal gears up to commence oil and gas production this year, Faye has outlined a series of reforms, including plans to renegotiate existing contracts. Despite these proposed changes, Faye recently assured investors of the country’s commitment to honoring its obligations.
