Senegalese Ex-Prime Minister Accepts Loss to Opposition in Presidential Election
Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister of Senegal, has gracefully accepted his defeat to prominent opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the recent presidential elections held in the West African nation.
Former Senegalese Prime Minister Amadou Ba, aged 62, has accepted his loss in the presidential elections to opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye in West Africa.
In a statement released, Ba congratulated Faye on his victory in the first round of the elections, acknowledging the provisional results while awaiting the official confirmation.
He added his wishes for lots of success and well-being for the Senegalese people.
Outgoing President Macky Sall also congratulated Faye, praising the "smooth running" of the election as a win for Senegalese democracy.
Early unofficial results reported by independent Senegalese radio station, Futurs Médias, showed Faye in the lead with 57% of votes. Ba followed in second place with 31% of the votes. 
Senegalese presidential candidates Bassirou Diomaye Faye, left, and Amadou Ba.
Shutterstock/Getty Images
Related article
Senegal goes to the polls as country’s once sturdy democracy looks shaky
Several opposition candidates in Sunday’s election accepted their loss to Faye earlier. One of the main opposition presidential candidates in Senegal, Anta Babacar Ngom, also conceded defeat to Faye on Sunday. She expressed her well wishes to Mr. Faye, saying, “I wish Mr. Faye every success in leading Senegal.”
Dethie Fall, a candidate in the election, congratulated Faye for his impressive victory in a statement on Sunday. He acknowledged the strong trends that led to Faye's clear win.
Another presidential candidate, Khalifa Sall, also congratulated Faye on his victory early Monday.
Ba, a member of the ruling coalition, stepped down as prime minister in March to begin his campaign for the top job in Senegal. He has urged the public to "remain calm" and avoid premature celebrations while waiting for the official results.
An official from Senegal’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission has stated that the official results will be disclosed by Saturday at the latest.
From prisoner to president
Faye, a 44-year-old former tax inspector and political detainee, had been in prison since April last year. He was recently chosen as a backup candidate for popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. However, Sonko was unable to run in the elections due to a defamation case. Both Faye and Sonko were released 11 days ago after President Sall granted amnesty to political prisoners.
Despite a shorter campaign period, Faye and Sonko, who have strong backing from Senegalese youth making up more than 60% of the population, have ignited passionate support and discussions nationwide.
President Sall, whose second and final term ends on April 2, has pledged to peacefully transfer power to the newly elected leader after the country's highest court rejected his bid to postpone the election for 10 months from its original date of February 24.
Editor's P/S:
The Senegalese presidential election has resulted in a remarkable victory for opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The smooth transition of power from incumbent President Macky Sall to Faye is a testament to Senegal's growing democratic maturity. The gracious concession of defeat by former Prime Minister Amadou Ba and other opposition candidates highlights the strength of Senegalese political institutions.
Faye's victory is particularly significant given his background as a former political detainee. His release and subsequent election demonstrate Senegal's commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The support of Senegalese youth for Faye and his running mate, Ousmane Sonko, reflects the growing demand for change and inclusivity in Senegalese politics. Faye's presidency faces challenges, including addressing economic inequality and youth unemployment. However, his victory provides hope for a more democratic and prosperous Senegal.
