A week after his release from Jail, Senegal’s youngest President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, emerged as the winner with about 53.7% votes while his main opponent, Amadou Ba, had a total of 36.2%.
Millions of Senegalese took part in the peaceful vote on Sunday, following three years of opposition protests against the incumbent president, Macky Sall.
In April 2023, Faye was arrested on charges related to spreading false news, broadcasting a critical message, and defamation of a constituted body.
The 44-year-old former tax inspector and president-elect will be taking over as the fifth and youngest president in the history of Senegal.
Just a day after his release from Jail, on the 15th of March, 2024, with the support of former president Abdoulaye Wade and his Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), Faye launched his presidential campaign.
From a prisoner, Faye became Senegal’s youngest president, and he wasted no time with the campaign.
Before he emerged as a senior official in the PASTEF party led by Ousmane Sonko, Faye was a guest at the party’s inception and he rapidly became notable within the party.
However, Sonko was disqualified due to defamation and doubts concerning his eligibility for the presidential election.
Fortunately for Faye, PASTEF recommended him in November 2023 as its candidate for the 2024 presidential election, despite his detention.
His candidacy was validated by the Senegalese Constitutional Council and Faye campaigned under the banner “Diomaye mooy Ousmane,” intending to leverage Sonko’s popularity among Senegal’s youth, after his release.
During his campaign, with a pledge to prioritize economic development, eradicate corruption, create job opportunities and review energy contracts, Faye won the hearts of every Senegalese citizen.
Also, in his first public appearance, Faye said, “I promise to govern with humility and transparency.” Not considering his jail term, Senegalese voted for Faye, putting all their trust in him to make the country better and prosperous.
It’s a new way for Africa at large.