Senegal’s President-Elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on the brink of officially clinching his weekend election triumph, was graciously received at the presidential palace on Thursday by the outgoing leader Macky Sall.
This meeting, following weeks of electoral turbulence, signals a smooth and peaceful transition of power in the West African nation, renowned for its steadfast commitment to democracy in a region often plagued by instability.
Faye, 44, recently released from prison just 10 days before the election, alongside his mentor Ousmane Sonko, engaged in discussions with Sall, who welcomed both men cordially. They delved into significant state matters and the forthcoming inauguration ceremony.
Preliminary results indicate Faye’s resounding victory in the first round with 54.3 percent, leaving Sall’s favored contender, former prime minister Amadou Ba, far behind with 35.8 percent of the vote.
The Senegalese Constitutional Court may soon confirm Faye as the official winner, potentially enabling a smooth handover before April 2, the end of Sall’s term.
Sall ignited a political storm in February by postponing the presidential election just days before its scheduled date, citing security concerns. This decision triggered protests and violence, resulting in casualties. Eventually, the Constitutional Court compelled him to reschedule the vote for March 24.
Faye, a newcomer to elected positions, is poised to become the fifth president of Senegal, a nation of approximately 18 million inhabitants. He has pledged to uphold national sovereignty and pursue a progressive agenda of left-wing pan-Africanism.
