Dakar, Senegal – In the aftermath of Senegal’s presidential election, opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye emerges as the frontrunner, according to reports from local media. Although several candidates have conceded to Faye, official results are still pending. The country witnessed a significant turnout for the peaceful election following years of unrest and opposition to the incumbent, Macky Sall.
Amidst the political upheaval, Faye, a prominent figure in the Pastef party, found himself in prison just days before the election. His party leader, Ousmane Sonko, faced disqualification due to a defamation conviction, which he believed to be politically motivated. Despite these challenges, initial tallies indicated Faye’s lead, prompting celebrations across the streets of the capital.
As supporters rallied behind Faye’s victory, opposition candidates followed suit in acknowledging his potential win. Notably, the sole female candidate in the race, Anta Babacar Ngom, extended her well wishes to Faye. However, the ruling coalition’s candidate, Amadou Ba, remains steadfast in contesting the results, hinting at a possible run-off vote if no candidate secures over 50% of the votes.
The collaboration between Faye and Sonko under the motto “Diomaye is Sonko” underscores a united front against the incumbent regime. High-profile politicians and opposition figures have thrown their support behind Faye’s candidacy, emphasizing the choice the Senegalese population faces between continuity and change.
With official results pending until Tuesday, uncertainties linger over the outcome of the election. The delayed ballot, initially slated for last month, exacerbated tensions, leading to deadly protests against the incumbent. As the country eagerly awaits the final verdict, the political landscape in Senegal stands at a crossroads, poised for a potential shift in leadership.