Opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye has become Senergal’s new President.
Fay, a newcomer popular among the youth, promised to govern with humility and transparency on Monday.
Faye’s main rival has called him to concede defeat. He thanked President Macky Sall and other candidates for respecting Senegal’s democratic values.
He said, “In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided to break with a past. I promised to govern with humility and transparency.”
Faye is 44 years old. After his Patriots of Senegal party was dissolved in July, he contested the election as an independent.
He is a left-wing populist who is organizing protests against President Sall. He accuses his government of corruption and failing to address chronic poverty.
Faye was arrested in April 2023 on charges of spreading false news, contempt of court and defamation of a constituted body.
He was released on March 14, a few days before the vote.
