Senegal’s ruling party conceded defeat in key cities on Monday, a day after nationwide local elections. The country voted in municipal and regional elections amid simmering tensions over whether President Macky Sall will seek tenure elongation beyond his two-term limit.
Sall, 60, assumed power in 2012 and won re-election in 2019.The ruling party coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar said in a statement, “our will to capture (the capital) Dakar and southern city of Ziguinchor, in particular, was not conclusive. So goes the democratic game.”
It went on to congratulate the other candidates, describing the vote as a triumph of democracy.
It also called on all its activists and leaders to strengthen their unity and mobilisation for more resounding victories in subsequent elections.
The local elections were widely seen as a test of the ruling party’s, and Sall’s, popularity particularly ahead of legislative elections slated for June and a presidential polls scheduled in 2024.
Several government candidates were defeated by their opposition challengers. Political pundits say the outcome of the local elections could force the president to abandon thoughts of a third term and to abide by constitution.
The West African country has long been considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies.