Senegal election: Opposition candidate, Bassirou Faye poised for victory

Senegal’s maverick candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, seemed poised for victory in Monday’s presidential poll, amid a backdrop of years of unrest and political turmoil. However, the ruling coalition asserted certainty regarding the necessity of a second-round vote.

Whoever emerges victorious will shoulder the responsibility of guiding Senegal, revered as a bastion of democracy in turbulent West Africa, through recent tribulations and the management of forthcoming revenues from burgeoning oil and gas reservoirs.

The election outcome remained uncertain, with official results slated for release later in the week, and a decisive majority required for a first-round triumph.

Opposition stalwart Faye has pledged substantial change to voters, advocating a presidential agenda grounded in left-wing pan-Africanism. Early indications from provisional results at individual polling stations, disseminated by local media and social networks, positioned Faye ahead of the governing coalition’s former prime minister, Amadou Ba.

At least seven presidential contenders extended congratulations to Faye based on initial vote count trends. Anta Babacar Ngom, the sole female candidate, hailed Faye’s “unquestionable victory,” while Dethie Fall lauded his “clearly achieved” success.

Faye, aged 44, and Ba, aged 62, both former tax inspectors, emerged as frontrunners in a crowded field of 17 candidates.

Hundreds congregated at Faye’s campaign headquarters in Dakar on Sunday night, celebrating with song and dance, while supporters of Ba adopted a more subdued demeanor at his headquarters.

Ba’s campaign management asserted confidence in advancing to a second-round vote, alleging attempted manipulation by Faye’s camp.

A triumph for Faye could signal systemic change in Senegal, with the anti-establishment candidate vowing to restore national sovereignty, combat corruption, and foster more equitable wealth distribution. He has also pledged to renegotiate contracts with foreign entities in the mining, gas, and oil sectors, as Senegal prepares for hydrocarbon production later this year.

“I remain confident about the choice for change that I represent better than any other candidate,” remarked Faye as he cast his vote on Sunday.

Ba, on the other hand, positions himself as the continuity candidate aligned with outgoing President Macky Sall.

Both contenders vie for the support of young voters in a nation where half the population is under 20.

“I voted for Diomaye without hesitation,” expressed Diaraaf Gaye, a 26-year-old shopkeeper, emphasizing the need for youth empowerment.

Senegal initially scheduled the vote for February 25, but a last-minute postponement by Sall precipitated the worst political crisis in decades, resulting in fatalities. Approximately 7.3 million Senegalese were eligible to vote on Sunday.

Despite recent tumult, voters queued patiently outside polling stations, many starting their day with early prayers before casting their ballots.

“We have finally reached this moment. Praise be to God,” exclaimed Mita Diop, a 51-year-old trader, reflecting on Senegal’s recent challenges.

Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure barred from candidacy due to a defamation conviction, noted a massive turnout among young voters and expressed confidence in a resounding victory.

Observers from various organizations oversaw the voting process, acknowledging its calm and orderly conduct.

Senegal’s Constitutional Council overruled Sall’s attempt to postpone the vote to December, compelling a rescheduling to March 24, which led to a condensed campaign period overlapping with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Ba, Sall’s chosen successor, would inherit a legacy marked by widespread arrests, persistent poverty, high unemployment, and a significant migrant exodus to Europe.

Periodic unrest, exacerbated by tensions between Sonko and the government, has resulted in casualties and arrests since 2021.