New Dawn in Senegal as 44-Year-Old Faye Nears Victory in Presidential Election

44-Year-Old Senegalese opposition candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye is poised for victory in the presidential election, with preliminary tallies indicating a lead, Excel Magazine International can report.

The election, marked by widespread participation and conducted without incident, saw a turnout of approximately 71%, as reported by state television RTS.

Excel Magazine International reports that in the event that none of the 19 candidates secures a majority, triggering a runoff, final provisional results are to be declared by Tuesday.

Recall that the incumbent President Macky Sall, opting not to run for re-election, endorsed former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who garnered support from Sall’s ruling coalition. Despite Sall’s efforts to delay the election to December, it proceeded as scheduled.

Former opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, barred from candidacy due to a defamation conviction, lent his support to Faye.

Faye campaigned on anti-corruption measures and prioritizing Senegal’s economic independence.

Numerous candidates have extended congratulations to Faye based on early tallies, with candidate Anta Babacar Ngom praising his “unquestionable victory” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Dethie Fall referred to Faye as “President … Faye” and hailed his apparent triumph.

Celebrations erupted at Faye’s campaign headquarters in Dakar, reflecting optimism over his lead in the vote count.

However, Ba’s campaign management expressed confidence in a runoff, citing data from their expert teams and accusing Faye’s camp of manipulation attempts.