Under the Projected Presidency of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, What lies Ahead for Senegal?

Following a vote that many say demonstrates Senegal’s democratic endurance, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a previously unknown tax inspector who was released from prison two weeks ago, appears destined to become the country’s next president.

Although the final results of the election are anticipated to be announced by the electoral commission in the next few days, preliminary tallies indicate that Faye won an absolute majority on Sunday. Late on Monday, Amadou Ba, the candidate for the ruling party, admitted defeat. Additionally, the 44-year-old was congratulated on the outcome by outgoing President Macky Sall. Sall declared, “This is Senegalese democracy’s victory.”

The election, initially scheduled for February, was delayed by Sall, sparking speculation that he was contemplating extending his rule — he has completed two terms and is barred from a third under the constitution — before he eventually agreed to the vote on Sunday.