Senegal opposition candidate Faye won 54 percent in presidential vote

Bassirou Diomaye Faye holds a news conference after winning the presidential elections in Dakar, Senegal, Monday, March 25, 2024

Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye emerged victorious with more than 54 percent of the votes in the presidential election, as confirmed by the Dakar appeals court on Wednesday. The provisional results, derived from all polling stations, are awaiting final confirmation from the Constitutional Council in the coming days.

Faye's triumph follows his release from prison just 10 days prior to the election. At 44 years old, he is poised to become Senegal's youngest president, advocating for a departure from the current political landscape.

According to the court, ruling coalition contender Amadou Ba secured over 35 percent of the vote, while Aliou Mamadou Dia claimed 2.8 percent, landing third place.

Outgoing President Macky Sall extended congratulations to Faye, hailing his victory as "a triumph for Senegalese democracy." Analysts interpret Faye's win as a response to dissatisfaction with the previous administration and internal rifts within the governing coalition.

Faye's message resonated notably with younger demographics in Senegal, where over 60 percent of the population is under 25 and grapples with employment challenges. The presidential election witnessed widespread participation, underscoring its significance in determining the country's fifth president.