The African Union expressed its congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an anti-establishment opposition candidate, for his triumph in Senegal’s presidential election and commended the widespread acceptance of the election results.
In a statement, President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, warmly praised Faye on his official victory in the first round of elections, expressing his hopes for Faye’s success in his significant role.
Based on preliminary results, Faye secured a decisive victory in the first round with 54.3 percent of the vote, surpassing the candidate backed by incumbent Macky Sall, former prime minister Amadou Ba, by a considerable margin.
Senegal’s Constitutional Court may confirm Faye as the official winner before the weekend, potentially facilitating a smooth transition before April 2, the official conclusion of Sall’s presidency.
Faye, aged 44, was released from prison merely ten days prior to the election, alongside his mentor Ousmane Sonko, who was disqualified from running due to a criminal conviction he alleges was politically motivated.
