Opposition Leading Race for Senegalese Presidency

Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emerged as favorite to win Senegal’s presidential election, after several rivals conceded.

Millions took part in a peaceful vote on Sunday, following three years of turbulence and opposition protests against the incumbent, Macky Sall.

Voters had a choice of 17 candidates.

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.

The first set of tallies announced on television showed Mr. Faye had won the majority of votes, triggering widespread street celebrations in the capital Dakar.

The results also led five opposition candidates declaring Mr. Faye the winner. Anta Babacar Ngom, the only female candidate, wished Mr. Faye success in a statement.

Final provisional results are expected by Tuesday.

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The first set of tallies announced on television showed Faye had won the majority of votes, triggering widespread street celebrations in the capital Dakar.

Jubilant supporters gathered in Sonko’s neighbourhood as supporters set off fireworks, waved Senegalese flags and blew vuvuzelas.

At least five opposition candidates later declared Faye the winner, effectively conceding defeat.

They included one of the main contenders, Anta Babacar Ngom, who wished Faye success as leader of Senegal in a statement.

It was not clear how many of the 15,633 polling stations have been counted so far.

A second round of voting will only take place if no candidate secures the more than 50% majority required to prevent a runoff.