Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a political newcomer popular among the country’s disaffected youth, is set to be declared the next president after his main rival called him on Monday, March 25, to concede defeat.
Provisional results showed Faye leading with approximately 53.7% and Amadou Ba, representing the current ruling coalition, trailing with 36.2%, based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, according to the electoral commission.
Amadou Ba and President Macky Sall both extended their congratulations to Faye, who celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday, March 25. They praised the election’s outcome as a triumph for Senegal.
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“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy. I wish him success at the helm of our country,” Ba remarked.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s remarkable ascent marks a tumultuous chapter in Senegalese politics that took many by surprise.
Faye spent months in jail alongside ally and kingmaker Ousmane Sonko, but the pair were unexpectedly released the week before the presidential election.
Now, Mr Clean, as Faye is affectionately known, must begin implementing the sweeping reforms he has pledged.
“He’s never been a minister and wasn’t a statesman, so critics question his lack of experience,” analyst Alioune Tine told the BBC regarding Faye.
Many are hopeful that Faye’s victory will usher in stability and an economic upturn following three years of unprecedented political turbulence, which witnessed several deadly anti-government protests.
“I am happy to see there is a wind of change,” said Tall, an opposition supporter who joined revellers in the streets to celebrate Faye’s anticipated victory.
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“It is wonderful because democracy has prevailed. Many doubted it would happen,” he observed.
Meanwhile, singer Akon, originally from Senegal, has joined his compatriots in celebrating Faye’s victory.
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