Senegal voted in a tightly contested presidential race after months of unrest
Senegalese citizens cast their votes on Sunday in a tightly contested presidential election, following months of uncertainty and unrest that has challenged the nation's status as a stable democracy in a region marked by recent coups.
The election unfolded after President Macky Sall's unsuccessful attempt to postpone the February 25th vote until the end of the year, which sparked violent protests. Sall, constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, faced the election during Ramadan, a holy month observed by fasting from dawn till dusk.
Vote counting commenced in the evening amid tension in some areas. In St. Louis, a significant fishing town, a crowd reacted negatively and threw stones at a government delegation entering a polling station after its closure.
Observers noted high morning turnout among the over 7 million registered voters, although exact figures would be available later. Babacar Gueye, head of Senegal’s COSCE civil society network of observers, emphasized the importance of participation for the election's legitimacy.
"During the polling station openings today, I have never seen so many people voting in the past 15 years," he stated to the Press.
Long lines formed outside polling stations in the capital Dakar, with heightened security by the elite police force deployed across the city in armored vehicles, verifying voters' cards. While official results are due next week, leading candidates expressed anticipation of initial results on Sunday night.
Ahead of the election, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was released from prison, sparking celebrations and energizing the contest. Sonko, barred from running due to a prior conviction for defamation, supported his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye, also freed from prison.
Khodia Ndiayes, a 52-year-old cook, expressed her vote for Faye due to her support for Sonko: "I'm proud to have voted. We need a new president because life is expensive, the economy is bad and we need better schools."
Economic concerns weighed heavily for many Senegalese voters, with high food and energy prices exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Nearly a third of Senegal’s youth are unemployed, prompting migration in search of opportunities abroad.
Senegal stands out amidst regional coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This election marks the nation’s fourth democratic power transition since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Despite Senegal's democratic history, the electoral process faced violence and unrest over the past year, resulting in casualties and opposition arrests. Nineteen candidates, including one woman, contested, though some withdrew to support Sonko's endorsed team.
Analysts anticipate no single candidate winning over 50% of the vote, likely leading to a runoff and further coalition building. Nonetheless, Sonko-Faye supporters celebrated in Dakar on Sunday evening, showing early confidence.
Candidates such as former prime minister Amadou Ba, former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall, and former prime minister Idrissa Seck are in the running. Ba and Faye expressed optimism about the results, while Sonko vowed a resounding victory.
The crackdown on protests bolstered opposition support, yet some voters like Ndeye Sylla favored experience and peace, supporting Amadou Ba.
In Fatick, voters turned out, with the army securing polling areas and using red ink to prevent multiple voting.
"I am proud to have voted," said Fodé Ndour, a 70-year-old voter.
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