IN a significant turn of events, Senegal’s presidential candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a newcomer to politics, has vowed to lead with humility and transparency following his apparent victory in the election. Faye, poised to become the next president after his primary rival conceded defeat, expressed gratitude to President Macky Sall and fellow candidates for upholding Senegal’s democratic values by acknowledging his triumph well ahead of official results.
‘In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with the past,’ Faye asserted during his first public appearance since the election. ‘I promise to govern with humility and transparency.’
Provisional results indicate Faye securing approximately 53.7 percent of the votes, while his competitor Amadou Ba, representing the ruling coalition, garnered 36.2 percent, according to the electoral commission’s tallies from 90 percent of polling stations in the first-round vote.
Ba and Sall extended their congratulations to Faye, recognising his win as a victory for Senegal’s democratic integrity. Ba emphasised, ‘The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy… I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country.’
A smooth transition of power in Senegal carries significance for democracy in West Africa, a region marred by military coups in recent years. Faye’s impending victory has already prompted positive reactions in international markets, with Senegal’s bonds rallying amid reports of his imminent declaration as the winner.
Amid celebrations among opposition supporters, one named Tall expressed optimism, telling Reuters, ‘I am happy to see there is a wind of change… It is wonderful because democracy has won. Many thought it would not happen.’
Faye’s rise to prominence owes much to the support of firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, despite Sonko’s disqualification from running due to a defamation conviction. Both former tax inspectors campaigned under the banner ‘Diomaye is Sonko,’ pledging to combat corruption and prioritise national economic interests, particularly resonating with young voters.
The youth, constituting over 60 percent of Senegal’s population, face challenges in employment, and Faye has vowed to allocate more state resources to address their needs.
The opposition’s momentum surged amid police crackdowns on protests, rising living costs, and concerns over potential term extensions by President Sall. The postponement of the vote further fuelled public discontent.
Investor apprehension loomed over potential shifts in government policies, particularly regarding business interests. Senegal’s upcoming ventures in oil and gas extraction prompted Faye to reassure investors of the country’s commitment to honouring contractual obligations while signalling plans for renegotiations to better serve national interests.
Official results are expected to be announced by the Dakar appeals court later this week, solidifying Faye’s ascent to the presidency and marking a pivotal moment for Senegal’s democratic future.