Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s President-elect, has pledged to lead with humility and transparency in his first address following Sunday’s election.
With his main rival, Amadou Ba, conceding defeat, Faye, a 44-year-old political newcomer, is poised to become the youngest president in Senegal’s history.
‘’By electing me, the Senegalese people have chosen to break with the past,” he affirmed to journalists on Monday. “I commit to governing with humility and transparency.”
Faye emphasised that one of his top priorities as president would be national reconciliation, aiming to address three years of unrest and political turmoil in the country. He also promised to combat corruption, rebuild institutions, and address the cost-of-living crisis.
Acknowledging outgoing President Macky Sall’s role in facilitating a successful election, Faye expressed gratitude.
While the final results are pending official announcement by the Constitutional Council, celebrations have erupted nationwide. Provisional results indicate Faye’s strong lead with approximately 53.7%, compared to Ba’s 36.2%. Faye’s victory comes shortly after his release from jail less than two weeks ago.