Preliminary results from Senegal’s March 24 election indicate opposition candidate, Bassirou Diamoye Faye is comfortably ahead in the race to succeed Macky Sall as president. Faye and ruling party candidate, former prime minister, Amadou Ba, were the two main frontrunners in the contest.
Who is Bassirou Diamoye Faye?
43-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye co-founded the now-dissolved Pastef party with Ousman Sonko in 2014.
He studied law in Senegal and worked as a tax inspector, where he spoke out against corruption.
Many describe him as discreet and soft-spoken, compared to Sonko.
He was released 10 days before the election after President Sall proposed a bill granting amnesty for acts committed in connection with political demonstrations since 2021.
Opposition campaign
The opposition coalition launched its campaign platform on March 10 with a promise to create a new national currency.
In his 84-page election platform, Faye says Senegal needs to take back control of its economy.
The coalition’s plans for a new currency could have significant implications not only for Senegal, but for the eight-nation West African Economic and Monetary Union.
The coalition says it also seeks to address inequalities and foster employment amid the creation of a vice president and the disbandment of the prime minister.
He has also pledged to renegotiate Senegal’s mining and energy investment deals.
What next?
Senegal’s incumbent President will leave office on April 2, as the Constitutional Council sets a new date for the swearing-in of the president-elect.
