Senegal Election 2024: A Historic Moment in Democracy
As millions of voters turned out to cast their ballots in the Senegalese presidential election of 2024, the election has captured the interest of people worldwide. With the probable overthrow of a government that has maintained investor-friendly policies in this soon-to-be oil and gas producer, the stakes were high. Senegal's democracy, however, endured despite political unrest, economic hardship, and stability.
The Road to the Polls
Delayed Elections and Political Turmoil
The journey to the polls was fraught with uncertainty.
President Macky Sall’s unsuccessful attempt to delay the election led to weeks
of political turmoil and violent protests. The Constitutional Council stepped
in, annulling Sall’s decree and a contentious bill that sought to move the vote
to December. The delayed polls finally took place on March 24, 2024, after much
anticipation.
A Crowded Field
Senegal’s voters faced a crowded field of candidates, each
vying for the presidency. Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, representing the
ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who
stepped in for disqualified opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, emerged as the
most popular choices to replace Sall. Both candidates expressed confidence in
securing a first-round victory, but the possibility of a runoff loomed if no
candidate obtained more than 50% of the vote.
Women Voters: A Key Demographic
Anta Babacar Ngom, the sole woman competing in the
presidential race, could make history as Senegal’s first female president.
Women voters played a crucial role, and their ballots could tip the outcome.
Hundreds of thousands of women turned out to cast their votes, adding to the
democratic process.
The Election Day
Long Queues and a Calm Voting Process
On election day, millions of Senegalese voters gathered at
polling stations from 8 a.m. onward. Long lines formed as citizens exercised
their right to choose the next leader. Election observers noted that the voting
process remained largely calm despite the delays and tensions leading up to the
polls.
Third Place: The Referee
Political science lecturer El Hadji Mamadou Mbaye predicted
that Amadou Ba and Bassirou Diomaye Faye would lead the race. However, the
third-place candidate would play a crucial role as the “referee.” Faye, an
outsider, could cause a political earthquake if he emerged victorious.
Faye’s Strong Contender Status
While public election polls are absent in Senegal, Faye is
seen as a formidable contender. His victory would signal a departure from the
established system, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape.
The absence of clear frontrunners added to the suspense of Election Day.
The Aftermath
A Historic Transfer of Power
Faye’s Pledge to Drop the CFA Franc
President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye has promised to drop
the much-criticized CFA franc currency, which is pegged to the euro and backed
by former colonial power France. His vision for a new currency reflects his
commitment to change and economic reform.
In summary, the election of Senegal in 2024 will go down in history as a significant occasion that demonstrates the tenacity of democracy and the influence of popular opinion. The international community waits in anticipation of a smooth transition and a better future for Senegal while the country awaits the official results.
Senegal Amadou Ba, the front-runner for the ruling alliance, concedes the presidential race. Election in Senegal: The court rejects President Macky Sall's request to postpone the vote. Updates on Senegal's 2024 election: Hotly contested polls receive millions of votes.