In a statement written in French Language on the union’s X handle, African Union Commission President, Moussa Faki Mahamat said he “warmly congratulates” Faye on the official declaration of his first-round win, while wishing him “full success in his weighty and noble charge”.
Based on initial results, Faye secured victory in the first round of voting with 54.3 per cent, a substantial lead over the candidate selected by the incumbent Macky Sall, former Prime Minister, Amadou Ba.
The Senegalese Constitutional Court may declare Faye as the official winner before the weekend, potentially allowing for a transition before April 2, which marks the official end of Sall’s tenure.
Faye, aged 44, was released from prison just 10 days prior to the election, along with his mentor Ousmane Sonko, who was disqualified from running due to a criminal conviction he alleges was politically motivated.
Senegal began voting Sunday for a new president in an unpredictable race following three years of turmoil and political crisis.
Around 7.3 million voters are registered in the West African nation where two favourites have emerged – the governing coalition’s former prime minister Amadou Ba and winner, Faye.
President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, congratulated Faye on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal.
He also congratulated incumbent President, Macky Sall, for overseeing an election widely deemed as peaceful and transparent.
