(Reuters) – Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a political newcomer popular among the country’s disaffected youth, was set to be declared the next president after his main rival called him on Monday to concede defeat. Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
Ba and President Macky Sall both congratulated Faye, who turned 44 on Monday. They hailed the outcome as a win for Senegal, whose reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies took a hit when Sall postponed the vote. “The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy.. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said. A peaceful transition of power in Senegal would mark a boost for democracy in West Africa, where there have been eight military coups since 2020.
Senegal’s international bonds rose on reports that Faye was close to being declared a winner, reversing sharp falls from earlier in the day. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, will become African youngest president.
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