By Blessing Chinagorom
The 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye has won Senegal’s Presidential election, while defeating 62-year-old former Prime Minister, Amadou Ba backed by outgoing President Macky Sall, who is stepping down amid drop in popularity after two terms in office.
According to report, millions in Senegal took part in Sunday’s vote to elect the country’s fifth president after years of unprecedented political turbulence that sparked violent antigovernment protests and buoyed support for the opposition.
Faye, was thrust into the centre of Senegalese politics more than a week after he was released from prison along with his firebrand mentor Ousmane Sonko, who was disqualified from standing in the election because of a defamation conviction.
Results trickling in since polls closed on Sunday evening in the first round of a delayed rapidly suggested Faye, 44, may have clinched an outright majority, trends announced on local media sparked street celebrations by his supporters in the capital Dakar.
Ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba, initially called these celebrations premature and said a run-off vote would be needed to determine the winner. But he then called Faye on Monday to offer his congratulations, a government spokesman told journalists.
“Faye for his victory in the first round,” Amadou Ba said in a statement, while Several opposition contenders had also conceded defeat to Faye during the night, including Anta Babacar Ngom, the only woman running.
Also, report has it that the win by the opposition candidate who will be Senegal’s youngest president could trigger a political earthquake with policies that transform the country.
Faye, 44, had promised left-wing pan-Africanism and to renegotiate gas and oil contracts, with Senegal due to start production on recently discovered oil and gas reserves later this year.
In a statement by the State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on behalf of United States said the Sunday’s election, carried out in a well-organized, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive manner, represents a significant milestone in Senegal’s rich democratic history.
The United States congratulated the President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye and commended millions of Senegalese citizens who voted, along with Senegal’s electoral institutions and judiciary who faithfully upheld Senegal’s constitution and laws.
“We look forward to working with President-elect Faye and his administration. Senegal’s leadership is essential to resolving the many challenges facing the region today. We stand ready to deepen the strong ties between the United States and Senegal and work together to promote our shared interests and values”.
European Union Commission High Representative, Josep Borell in a statement congratulated the President-elect, Diomaye Faye, adding that the orderly and peaceful conduct of the election confirms the deep democratic roots of Senegal.
“The solidity of the institutions and the responsibility of the political actors who, together, made it possible to carry out this electoral process. The electoral observation mission deployed by the EU at the invitation of the Senegalese authorities will share its first conclusions during the day.
“Deep ties unite the European Union and Senegal. We are ready to further strengthen our partnership with future authorities to jointly raise the hopes of the country’s youth”, the High Representative added.
President Bola Tinubu on behalf of Nigeria extended his congratulations to Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as President of the Republic of Senegal in a statement by his aide on Wednesday.
The President noted that President-elect Faye comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on this important job of leading the good people of Senegal.
Tinubu also congratulated His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for overseeing an election that has been widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent.
He stated that the success of the presidential election in Senegal and the successful conduct of the general election in Liberia a few months ago have affirmed his long-held conviction that the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa and will only grow stronger as it is watered by good governance, justice, and fairness to all.
As the Chairman of ECOWAS, the President affirmed that the successful conduct of the Senegal election is a boost to sub-regional organization in its efforts to promote peace and constitutional order, and strengthen ties among member states.
A brief report on the Senegal’s President-elect’s biography, born in 1990, 44years old, although the precise date of his birth remains unspecified. Diomaye Faye rise to prominence from a modest beginning to the highest office in the land is a story of resilience and determination.
Before venturing into politics, Faye served as a tax inspector, a role that involves ensuring individuals and organizations pay the correct amount of tax. His transition from this position to the presidency underscores a diverse career path marked by service and accountability.
The President-elect, Faye is married to Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye, with whom he shares four children. His family life has been relatively private, with a focus on his public service and political ambitions.
Faye’s political career faced significant challenges, including his arrest in mid-2023 on charges ranging from inciting insurrection to endangering state security. His release on March 14, 2024, following an amnesty law, marked a pivotal moment in his campaign, setting the stage for his eventual victory.