3RD UPDATE: President Sall congratulates Faye on his victory
Dakar, Senegal (PANA) – President Macky Sall on Monday congratulated opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his victory in Sunday's presidential election, the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) reported.
“I welcome the smooth running of the presidential election on March 24 and congratulate the winner, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who the trends point to as the winner. This is the victory of Senegalese democracy,” said the Senegalese President in a message published on the social media network X.
Amadou Ba, 62, the candidate of President Sall's ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar, earlier on Monday conceded defeat to Faye.
He has congratulated Faye "for his victory" in the election "in the first round", wishing him "much success and success for the well-being of the Senegalese people", the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) reported.
The Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), has yet to release the official results. However, unofficial provisional results give Faye 57 percent of the votes against 31 percent for Amadou Ba.
"In view of the trends in the results of the presidential election and while awaiting the official proclamation, I congratulate President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for his victory in the first round," said Mr. Ba, former Prime Minister, said in a press release.
He prayed to God to grant Mr. Faye the energy and strength necessary to assume this high office as the President of Senegal.
The trend of the early results had triggered wild jubilations in the capital, Dakar.
APS reported that the "trends" of provisional results at polling stations in Dakar favoured Mr. Faye, 44, who was only released from prison a few days ago after benefitting from an amnesty granted by outgoing President Sall.
No incidents were officially reported on Sunday.
The mood in the camp of the opposition has been jubilant since Sunday night, as supporters waving the national flag have poured into the streets singing, dancing, tooting car horns, blowing vuvuzelas and setting off fireworks in anticipation of a major first round victory for their candidate.
Under Senegal's constitution, the winner in the first round should obtain 50% + 1 of the votes. Otherwise, the two front runners will into a runoff.
-0- PANA MA 25March2025
