AS Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye prepares to be sworn in as President of Senegal on Tuesday in Dakar, to become the continent’s youngest head of state at the age of 44, tributes continue to be paid to the Senegalese people for an orderly election.
In a West African region that is beset by political manipulation, the outcome of the election that is to see a peaceful transition has been hailed by the Pan-African Alliance for Transparency and the Rule of Law (PATROL-AFRICA) as a ‘process that shines a positive light on Africa in an era where democratic traditions are under serious threats’.
It said in a statement: ‘The Senegalese people…have once again demonstrated that the right to vote – and to have their vote counted – remains an indispensable hallmark of freedom and democracy.
‘The recently concluded election underscores the critical importance of strong democratic institutions in safeguarding the integrity and fairness of electoral processes.
‘At the forefront of this commitment to democracy stands the Constitutional Council. ‘Through its rigorous oversight and impartial adjudication, it has reaffirmed the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding the rule of law in a democratic society.
‘It has set an example for the continent of Africa and the world at large,’ the statement added.
On March 29, the highest court in Senegal reaffirmed the electoral victory of Faye who won more than 54 per cent of the vote in the first round.
PATROL-AFRICA said it was pleased that ‘no objections were raised by the other candidates’.
The statement went on: ‘Despite the tumultuous period leading up to the election, it is evident that this is a victory for the Senegalese people and the democratic values they hold dear.
‘Once again, the people of Senegal and democratic institutions that underpin the rule of law in the country have set an excellent example, not only for the African continent but also for other countries around the world to emulate.’
PATROL-AFRICA also commended outgoing President Macky Sall ‘for abiding by the outcome of the election and respecting the will of the people and the authority of the supreme law of the land’.
It said that Sall ‘has ultimately acted to strengthen democracy in the country, underpinned by the peaceful transition of power and stability’.
Faye will become the fifth president of Senegal, which is the only country in West Africa that has not had military coup.