In a remarkable turn of events, Bassirou Diomaye Faye is on the verge of becoming Senegal’s youngest president, with his primary opponent conceding victory even before the official results are declared.
Faye, a 44-year-old advocate of left-wing pan-Africanism, has vowed to overhaul the nation’s policies, particularly in renegotiating oil and gas contracts.
His victory comes shortly after his release from incarceration and is expected to significantly reshape Senegal’s political landscape.
Despite having never served in a nationally elected role, Faye’s lead in the polls was acknowledged by his main competitor, Amadou Ba, from the ruling coalition.
Ba extended his congratulations to Faye, signaling a clear lead over the 62-year-old former prime minister based on preliminary results.
The official outcome of the election is anticipated by the week’s end, with Faye needing an outright majority for a first-round victory.
Celebrations erupted at Faye’s campaign headquarters in Dakar, with supporters and several presidential candidates recognizing his apparent win based on provisional results.
Faye’s campaign promises include restoring national sovereignty, combating corruption, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of wealth. He also intends to revisit existing mining, gas, and oil agreements with international firms.
While Faye expressed confidence in representing change, Ba positioned himself as the candidate of continuity from the administration of outgoing President Macky Sall.
The election, initially scheduled for February 25, was postponed at the last minute, leading to the country’s most severe political unrest in years.
Despite these challenges, the election proceeded with a significant turnout, underlining Senegal’s status as a stable democracy in a region facing political upheaval.
