Senegal's presidential election took place on March 20, 2024, amid a tense political environment. President Macky Sall faced criticism for not postponing the vote, and the release of two key opposition figures from prison added to the excitement and tension surrounding the elections. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was released from prison last week, sparking wild jubilations in the streets of Dakar. The delayed elections saw a record number of 19 candidates, the highest in Senegal's history. The ruling party's candidate is Amadou Ba, a former prime minister and finance minister. Unemployment remains a significant issue for most Senegalese, particularly the youth population, with around half of Senegal's 17 million people under the age of 18. The election marks Senegal's fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. Approximately 7.3 million people were registered to vote, representing more than 60% of Senegal's population.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been sworn in as Senegal's president, marking a new opportunity for the country to get back on track after three years of political unrest. Faye, who was in prison less than a month ago on a bogus charge, won the national election and is now Senegal's youngest ever president and Africa's youngest elected head of state. He has named Ousmane Sonko, his key backer and mentor, as prime minister. The new leadership must prioritize human rights, including defending freedom of expression and assembly, and ensuring accountability for past abuses. This could set an example for the rest of West Africa and be a beacon of hope in a troubled region.
Senegalese anxiously await the results of a presidential election following months of uncertainty and unrest. The vote was largely peaceful with a high turnout. More than 7 million people were registered to vote in a country of roughly 17 million. To win in the first round, a candidate must gain more than 50% or it goes to a runoff. A second round is likely between opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Amadou Ba. Some opposition supporters believe their candidate has already won. This is Senegal's fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France. President Macky Sall is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and is expected to step down on April 2. Months of deadly protests were ignited last summer by the jailing of the popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and concerns that the president wanted to stay in power. Sonko was released from prison ahead of the election. The atmosphere remained tense in some parts of the country as votes were counted.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an ally of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, believes that the recent Senegal election offers hope to frustrated young Africans. Faye highlights the peaceful nature of the election and the high voter turnout, which he sees as a positive sign for democracy in Africa. He also mentions the challenges faced by young Africans, such as unemployment and lack of opportunities, and how the election outcome could potentially address these issues. Faye emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in politics and the need for leaders to prioritize the concerns of young people. Overall, Faye sees the Senegal election as a source of hope and inspiration for frustrated young Africans.
In Ghana, a new political party called Yellow Ghana has received a provisional certificate from Ghana's Electoral Commission (EC) under section 8 (2) of the Political Parties Act 2000. Yellow Ghana, founded in October 2020, aims to unite the African continent into a seamless and borderless economy. The party's distinctive yellow color represents optimism, hope, youth, and boundless energy. Samuel Apea-Danquah, the founder of Yellow Ghana, is an independent presidential aspirant for the 2024 elections. He expressed gratitude for the achievement and invited citizens to join the party. Yellow Ghana has been carrying out activities such as free health screenings and recently launched its 330-page manifesto. The party's vision is to create a brighter future for all Ghanaians through leadership, equality, and prosperity. The election in Senegal and the emergence of Yellow Ghana offer a new start for both countries and the potential for collaboration and support between the two nations.
Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has won re-election after obtaining 56.1% of the votes, according to provisional results from all polling stations. His main rival, Biram Dah Abeid, received 22.1% of the votes but rejected the results, alleging fraud. The country's constitutional court will review the results to announce the final outcome. The voter turnout was 54% of the two million eligible voters. Ghazouani campaigned on providing security and economic growth and is seen as a beacon of stability in a region plagued by coups and violence. Mauritania is rich in natural resources and is set to become a gas producer by the end of the year. However, almost 60% of the population lives in poverty. The election unfolded peacefully, although some opposition candidates accused the independent electoral commission of colluding with Ghazouani's regime. The African Union sent an observation mission to the vote but has not released a statement yet. [50ffcddd]