Anti-establishment figure Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emerged victorious in Senegal’s presidential election, securing 54.28 percent of the vote in the first round, according to official provisional results announced on Wednesday.
Faye’s commanding lead places him well ahead of former prime minister Amadou Ba, the candidate of the governing coalition, who garnered 35.79 percent of the vote.
The victory for Faye, who was released from prison just 10 days before the election, awaits validation by Senegal’s top constitutional body, which is expected to occur in the coming days.
Aged 44, Faye is poised to become the youngest president in Senegal’s history, marking a significant departure from the country’s political landscape.
This election marks the first instance since Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 that an opposition candidate has secured victory in the first round.
With third-placed candidate Aliou Mamadou Dia receiving only 2.8 percent of the vote, Faye’s win was not only decisive but also historic. The turnout of 61.30 percent, although lower than in the previous election in 2019, still reflects a significant level of civic engagement.
The announcement of official provisional results paves the way for a peaceful transition of power between outgoing President Macky Sall and his successor.
Despite concerns raised by the last-minute postponement of the vote and the subsequent electoral timetable, Senegal is set for a smooth handover of power, pending any potential appeals. Presidential candidates have 72 hours to lodge appeals after the results are announced, after which the Constitutional Council will proclaim the final results.
Faye’s victory has been recognised by fellow presidential candidates and outgoing President Sall, signalling a degree of political unity in the country.
Following three years of tension and unrest, Senegal now stands at a critical juncture with the potential for profound institutional reform under Faye’s leadership. Faye has pledged to govern with humility, transparency, and a commitment to fighting corruption, while also prioritising national reconciliation and reducing the cost of living. Meanwhile, international observers have praised the smooth conduct of Sunday’s election.