Senegal opposition’s Faye poised to win presidential election

Opposition presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye prepares to cast his vote during Senegal's presidential election in Ndiaganiao, Thies Region. Photograph: Jerome Favre/EPABassirou Diomaye Faye is set to become Senegal’s president after ruling party candidate Amadou Ba conceded defeat, handing the country’s opposition coalition a sweeping victory.

Some seven million of the country’s 17 million people were registered to vote, and turnout was estimated at more than 70 per cent. Analysts had predicted a much tighter outcome and a possible second round. He was drafted in as a last-minute candidate by an alliance of opposition groups led by the proscribed Pastef, previously the main opposition party, after their first choice, Ousmane Sonko, was barred from running after being convicted of defamation. Senegalese law prevents people convicted of crimes from running for president.

Mr Faye has vowed to embrace transparency in government and review contracts awarded in the country’s nascent oil and gas sector, leaving some investors jittery. Mr Ba, who has also served as foreign and finance minister, was considered the establishment candidate who would not rock the boat. The decision sparked fury in a country with a record of democratic transitions in a region beset by coups. Protesters demanded the election be brought back on track and accused Mr Sall – who has been in office since 2012 and considered running for a constitutionally questionable third term until dropping his bid last year – of illegally trying to extend his mandate.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Credible vote key to restoring Senegal’s reputationOutgoing president’s decision to delay elections triggered street protests and international condemnation
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Trump wins pause of $454m civil fraud ruling, avoiding asset seizuresAppeals court reduces bond to $175m and extends deadline by 10 days, easing Trump’s cash crunch
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Georgia’s ruling party proposes new law cracking down on LGBT+ rightsGeorgian Dream party’s draft law would ban sex changes and adoption by same-sex couples
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Japan’s ruling party rocked by photos of crusty old politicians and lingerie-clad dancersJapan’s LDP is one of the most successful political parties in the world, holding power since 1955. Could scandal finally hurt it?
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Teacher refuses to comply with court rulingMr Burke remains in Mountjoy, after his most recent refusal to comply with a High Court ruling to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.
Source: JOEdotie - 🏆 31. / 51 Read more »

Eilish O’Carroll's life with partner Marian, coming out and burying her siblingsMrs. Brown's Girls: Together for over 20 years, actress Eilish O’Carroll and her partner Marian O’Sullivan on growing older together, ruling out marriage and how they met in Cork
Source: RSVPMagazine - 🏆 7. / 76 Read more »