Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye takes early lead in presidential election

News | Elections Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye takes early lead in presidential election Opposition supporters take to streets in celebration but ruling coalition says a run-off will be needed to determine the winner. Supporters of Senegalese presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye celebrate early results Supporters of Senegalese presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye celebrate early results showing that Faye is leading initial presidential election tallies, in Dakar, Senegal, March 24, 2024

Supporters of Senegal’s presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye have flooded the streets of Dakar in jubilation as early results from Sunday’s vote indicated Faye's lead in the opposition.

The celebrations unfolded as at least five out of the 19 candidates in the race extended their congratulations to Faye, acknowledging what they deemed as his victory.

However, his primary rival from the ruling coalition, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, cautioned that the celebrations might be premature. Ba's campaign issued a statement asserting their confidence in a potential run-off based on the feedback from their team of experts.

There was no immediate response from Faye regarding the early results.

Supporters of Bassirou Diomaye Faye celebrate in Dakar

Millions of Senegalese participated in Sunday’s vote, marking a crucial moment in the country's political landscape after years of unrest and protests against the government.

The election signifies a possible shift from the administration led by outgoing President Macky Sall, who is stepping down after completing two terms marked by political turmoil and controversies.

Sall, not running in this election, had faced criticism over the prosecution of opposition figures like Ousmane Sonko and suspicions of seeking to extend his term beyond constitutional limits.

Presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is backed by Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, flashes a victory sign while casting his vote at the polling station at Ndiaganiao in Mbour, Senegal March 24, 2024.

The candidacy of Ba represents the ruling coalition's bid for continuity, while Sonko, though disqualified from the race due to legal issues, has thrown his support behind Faye, his former colleague from the dissolved PASTEF party.

An amnesty law before the vote led to the release of Sonko and Faye, paving the way for their active participation in the election.

The turnout for the election was substantial, with around 71 percent reported by state television RTS out of the 7.3 million registered voters in the country.

Election workers count ballot papers following a presidential election at a polling station in Dakar Senegal March 24, 2024.

The preliminary results displayed on television indicated Faye's lead, prompting celebrations in Sonko’s neighborhood, symbolizing the collective desire for change and political expression in Senegal.

While no candidate has claimed victory officially, notable contenders have acknowledged Faye's strong performance, anticipating the final results expected by Tuesday. A potential second round of voting will occur if no candidate secures the required majority in this phase.