IN a dramatic turn of events ahead of Sunday’s presidential election, former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and his Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) have thrown their support behind opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The endorsement significantly bolsters Faye’s prospects in a tightly contested race, following the disqualification of Wade’s son, Karim Wade, from the contest.
‘Given the current situation, the PDS has an imperative duty to take a stand. In this spirit of responsibility towards our homeland… our political group has chosen to give its full support to the Diomaye Faye Coalition,’ stated the PDS in a press release.
Karim Wade’s bid for the presidency under the PDS banner was thwarted due to his dual citizenship status at the time of candidacy submission. Despite efforts to renounce his French citizenship, Karim Wade’s disqualification reshaped the political landscape, prompting the PDS to rally behind an alternative candidate.
Last week, Senegal’s Supreme Court rejected a PDS plea to postpone the election, citing alleged irregularities and corruption leading to the exclusion of their candidate.
‘Bassirou Diomaye Faye represents a beacon of hope for Senegal. His commitment to change and integrity resonates with us,’ remarked a PDS spokesperson.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, aged 43, emerges as a formidable contender in a field of 19 candidates vying for the presidency. Regarded as an anti-establishment figure, Faye’s candidacy gains traction amidst the absence of Karim Wade and the disqualification of firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko over a defamation conviction.
Sonko and Faye, both released from detention under a recent amnesty law, have galvanised significant support, particularly among the youth disillusioned by economic hardships and job scarcity.
‘The endorsement by Abdoulaye Wade and the PDS is a testament to the unity of our cause. Together, we will bring change to Senegal,’ asserted Faye during a campaign rally.
Macky Sall, who served under Abdoulaye Wade before assuming the presidency in 2012, faces renewed pressure amidst the evolving electoral landscape. The backing of Faye by prominent political figures underscores the volatility and significance of Senegal’s upcoming presidential election, poised to shape the nation’s political trajectory for years to come.