Senegalese citizens are eagerly awaiting the results of the presidential election held on Sunday, following a period of uncertainty and unrest that tested the country's reputation as a stable democracy in a region marked by coups. The voting process was largely peaceful with a significant voter turnout, according to observers. Results from polling stations that completed counting were shared on social media overnight, with official announcements expected later this week.
More than 7 million people were registered to vote in Senegal, a country with a population of approximately 17 million. To secure victory in the first round, candidates must receive over 50% of the vote; otherwise, a runoff will be necessary. Analysts predict a likely second round between opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who is running for the ruling party.
Despite the peaceful voting process, some opposition supporters expressed confidence in their candidate's victory. In the capital city of Dakar, people gathered on car rooftops chanting slogans, waving flags, and setting off fireworks in anticipation of Faye's outright win. However, official results are yet to be announced.
This election marks Senegal's fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France over sixty years ago. The election was delayed by a month after President Macky Sall attempted to postpone it until the end of the year. Sall, who is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term, is expected to step down on April 2 when his current mandate ends.
Following months of unrest triggered by the imprisonment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and concerns about the president's intentions to extend his rule, the peaceful conduct of the election has been widely praised. Sonko, who was released from prison just before the election, was barred from running, leading to Faye taking his place as a candidate.
Despite the overall peaceful atmosphere, tensions lingered in some areas as votes were being tallied. In the northern town of Saint Louis, locals expressed their discontent by jeering and throwing stones at a visiting government delegation that entered a closed polling station.
As the country awaits the official election results, many citizens remain hopeful that the democratic process will strengthen Senegal's political landscape and uphold its reputation as a stable democracy in the region.
