44-Year Old Bassirou Diomaye Faye takes early lead in Senegal's 2024 Presidential elections

44-year-old opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken an early lead in the country’s presidential elections. The first set of tallies announced on television showed Faye had won the majority of votes, triggering widespread street celebrations in the capital Dakar.

The 2024 presidential elections, which attracted 19 candidates, will bring to an end the tenure of the incumbent President Macky Sall, who did not seek re-election. His ruling coalition endorsed former Prime Minister Amadou Ba.

However, the ruling coalition’s choice, Amadou Ba, rejected reports of defeat and said he expected to contest a run-off vote to decide a winner.

If none of the 19 candidates secure over 50% of the votes, the election will go to a runoff. Final provisional results are expected by Tuesday.

Senegal Elections 2024

About 7.3 million people were registered to vote in the country with a population of around 18 million. Turnout was at around 71%, according to state television RTS.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye received the endorsement of firebrand Sonko,  who threw his support behind Faye after being disqualified from the elections over a defamation conviction unrelated to his detention last July. Sonko was seen as the key challenger to President Macky Sall’s ruling party.

Constitutional reforms

Faye in his campaign promised to reduce presidential powers and reintroduce the vice presidency. He also said he would prioritize fighting political corruption.

Judicial Independence:  Faye also promised to oversee Senegal’s judicial reforms. His plan involves transitioning from a Constitutional Council to a Constitutional Court, positioning it as the apex of the judicial structure. He also proposes abolishing political funds and substituting them with special funds allocated by the Assembly for critical operations, such as arms procurement, which he says will enhance accountability and fortify oversight mechanisms.