Senegal’s opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye is in an early lead in the Sunday presidential vote.
His main rival from the ruling coalition said there will be need for a run-off to determine the winner.
Electorates trooped to their polling units in a peaceful day of voting to elect Senegal’s fifth president.
This is coming after three turbulent years that sparked violent anti-government demonstrations fanning support for the opposition.
The streets of Dakar are already in celebratory mood.
“I say it’s great because it’s democracy that’s winning. Everyone thought it would never happen. Today, if these results are indeed confirmed, it’s Senegal that absolutely wins.”
At least five of the candidates in the race have congratulated Bassirou Faye as results trickle in.
However, the former prime minister Amadou Ba – the ruling coalition’s candidate said that celebrations were premature.
For the first time in Senegal’s history, the incumbent was not on the ballot.
