Opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken an early lead in the presidential polls, igniting celebrations among his supporters across the streets. The election, held on Sunday, saw millions of Senegalese casting their votes peacefully, choosing among 19 contenders to elect the nation’s fifth president amid a backdrop of political unrest and economic hardship.
Early results have positioned Faye at the forefront, prompting at least five of his fellow candidates to extend congratulations, effectively acknowledging his lead. However, Amadou Ba, the candidate for the ruling coalition and a former prime minister, has cautioned against premature celebrations. Ba’s campaign insists that a runoff is imminent, based on their analysis of the poll results.
This election is particularly pivotal for Senegal, a country celebrated for its democratic stability in a region often rocked by coups. It marks the potential end of an era under outgoing President Macky Sall, whose administration, while investor-friendly, has been criticized for not alleviating the economic strains faced by many Senegalese. Voter turnout was notably high, with state television RTS reporting a participation rate of about 71% from the 7.3 million registered voters. The day passed without significant incident, highlighting the electoral process’s smooth execution in a country of approximately 18 million people.
The first batch of tallies, broadcasted on television, showed Faye securing the majority of votes in initial counts. This announcement set off a wave of celebration in Dakar, with Faye’s supporters gathering in the streets, setting off fireworks, and showcasing national pride with flags and vuvuzelas. Notably, Anta Babacar Ngom, one of Faye’s main rivals, conceded defeat and wished him success in leading Senegal forward.
The precise number of polling stations counted so far remains unclear, with final provisional results anticipated by Tuesday. The constitution mandates a more than 50% majority for a first-round win; otherwise, the election will proceed to a second round. Faye’s candidacy has been particularly noteworthy due to his affiliation with Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition leader recently jailed and disqualified from the race due to a defamation conviction. Sonko has thrown his support behind Faye, rallying under the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko” and symbolizing a united front against the current administration.
Faye’s platform promises to tackle corruption, restore stability, and prioritize economic sovereignty, resonating strongly with Senegal’s youth, who are desperately seeking employment opportunities in an economy where 60% of the population is under 25. His call for contenders to gracefully accept the election outcome underscores the high stakes of this election and the deep divisions within Senegal’s political fabric.
President Sall, whose popularity has waned amid efforts to postpone the vote originally set for February 25 to December, leaves office amidst controversy and allegations of authoritarian tendencies. The Constitutional Council’s intervention ensured the election proceeded within Sall’s mandate, setting the stage for this closely watched electoral process.
As Senegal awaits the final provisional results, the early lead of Bassirou Diomaye Faye heralds a potentially transformative shift in the country’s governance. The election not only represents a choice between continuation and rupture but also serves as a testament to the resilience of Senegal’s democratic institutions and the people’s unwavering demand for change and accountability.
