Senegal’s President Macky Sall has won a second term of five years
after Sunday’s election where he took 58% of the vote in the poll in
which he faced four challengers, but was accused of preventing some of
his main rivals from running.
Two well-known opposition figures were barred from taking part
because of corruption convictions. The opposition candidates have
however rejected the results, but say a court challenge would be futile.
Idrissa Seck, a former prime minister who came second with 21% of the
votes, discussed the results at his home with the three other
opposition candidates. Afterwards, he told reporters: “It is clear that
the incumbent candidate has confiscated the will of the Senegalese
people and will be alone to face the consequences before the people and
before history.”
President Sall was first elected in 2012. On the campaign trail, he
focused on his record with infrastructure projects. He has portrayed
himself as a moderniser who has helped to boost economic growth to more
than 6% a year, one of the highest rates in Africa.
