Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, expressed gratitude towards outgoing President Macky Sall for facilitating a smooth election process and accepting the election results graciously.
Faye, a 44-year-old tax inspector, pledged to govern with humility and prioritize national reconciliation.
President Sall, despite his party’s defeat, congratulated Faye on his victory, hailing it as a triumph for Senegalese democracy.
Faye attributed his victory largely to the support of his colleague and friend, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who, despite being barred from running, rallied significant public backing.
Both Faye and Sonko, former tax inspectors turned political allies, shared a close bond, leading to the formation of the now-banned PANDEF party.
Sonko’s ability to mobilize Senegal’s youth posed a significant challenge to President Sall’s administration over the past three years, with accusations of attempting an illegal third term.
Recently released from jail along with Faye, Sonko’s backing played a pivotal role in Faye’s electoral success.
Despite initial concerns of volatility and the potential for a runoff election, preliminary results indicate Faye’s commanding lead with approximately 58 percent of the votes, negating the need for a second round.
Even President Sall’s ally, Amadou Ba, conceded defeat, acknowledging Faye’s impending victory.
In his post-election address, Faye reaffirmed his commitment to combating corruption, promising transparency and accountability in governance.
He emphasized a break from the past and a shift towards fulfilling the aspirations of the Senegalese people.
With jubilations underway in the capital city of Dakar, Senegal anticipates the formal declaration of Faye’s victory by the electoral body, marking a new chapter in the nation’s political landscape.
