DAKAR: Senegal voted on Sunday to choose a new president in a delayed election that follows a political crisis and years of unrest, with the two favourites both claiming confidence in an outright win.
The delayed election, originally scheduled for February 25 but postponed by President Macky Sall, has sparked anticipation and tension across the country. The winner of the election will face the tough task of steering Senegal out of its recent troubles and managing the forthcoming revenues from oil and gas reserves.
Seventeen candidates, including one woman, are vying for the presidency, with two prominent contenders emerging as frontrunners. Amadou Ba, the former prime minister representing the governing coalition, promises continuity, while Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an anti-establishment candidate, advocates for profound change and left-wing pan-Africanism.
Voting in Senegal to Elect New President
The election has drawn significant attention from Senegal’s youthful population, with both candidates seeking to appeal to young voters. The outcome of the election could potentially shape the future trajectory of the country, which is viewed as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.
Despite the calm and efficient voting process reported across polling stations, tensions remain high as candidates await the results. The possibility of a second-round vote looms large due to the need for an absolute majority.
President Macky Sall, who is not seeking reelection after serving two terms, emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral process and cautioned against premature victory claims.
Observers from civil society organizations and international bodies are closely monitoring the election proceedings to ensure transparency and fairness.
The election comes after a period of political upheaval marked by mass protests, arrests, and a contentious legal battle. The amnesty law, hastily passed ahead of the election, led to the release of prominent opposition figures, including Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
