Senegal Votes for New President Amid Political Unrest
DAKAR — The people of Senegal are casting their votes in a delayed presidential election amidst weeks of political turmoil.
Long lines of voters can be seen across the country as they choose from 17 presidential candidates.
After voting, outgoing President Macky Sall cautioned candidates against prematurely claiming victory.
The election, originally scheduled for last month, was postponed by Sall, leading to violent opposition protests and a democratic crisis.
Seven million eligible voters in Senegal, once hailed as a democratic stronghold in the region, have the opportunity to participate in the election.
Among the candidates vying for the presidency is former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, 62, representing the governing BBY coalition. He expressed confidence in a first-round victory after casting his vote in Dakar.
His main rival, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, also showed confidence after voting in his hometown of Ndiaganiao, just 100km from Dakar.
Faye, who was released from jail recently after facing politically motivated charges, has the support of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who anticipates a resounding victory.
Despite not being allowed to run due to alleged trumped-up charges, Sonko’s influence among the youth is evident as he backs Faye.
A young voter in Ndiaganiao, Mbissine, emphasized the importance of youth participation in the election, while an elderly voter, Diégane Gueye, highlighted the significance of the day for the nation.
Former President Abdoulaye Wade and his PDS party have thrown their support behind Faye, following the withdrawal of his son Karim Wade due to citizenship issues.
For the first time in over a decade, a female candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, is in the running representing the ARC party.
Results are expected soon, with a second round likely due to the large number of contenders. A candidate must secure over 50% of the vote to win.
The global community will be closely monitoring the election process to see if it helps restore Senegal’s tarnished reputation.
In an interview with the BBC, President Sall defended the decision to postpone the election, stating it was done within legal parameters and in response to concerns raised by parliament members.
“I have done nothing wrong,” he asserted, emphasizing that all actions taken were in accordance with the law and regulations. — BBC
