Senegal begins vote counting after delayed presidential election

The country has been rocked by violent anti-government protests, leading to increased support for the opposition.

With over 17 million people in the country, more than seven million were registered to vote in Sunday's election, marking a significant turnout.

Nineteen candidates are competing to succeed President Macky Sall, who is stepping down after a second term marked by unrest and controversy over the prosecution of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Concerns also arose regarding Sall's alleged intention to extend his mandate beyond the constitutional limit.

Notably absent from the ballot for the first time in Senegal's history is the incumbent president himself. Instead, his ruling coalition has nominated former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, 62, as their candidate.

Sonko, who was recently released from jail, was disqualified from the race due to a defamation conviction. He is now throwing his support behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, co-creator of his now-dissolved PASTEF party, who was also detained on various charges.

An amnesty law passed just days before the election allowed their release, enabling them to participate in the political process. They are campaigning together under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko."

In addition to Ba and Faye, other prominent candidates in the presidential race include Dakar's former Mayor Khalifa Sall, veteran politician Idrissa Seck, former Prime Minister Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne, a close ally of President Sall Aly Ngouille Ndiaye, and entrepreneur Anta Babacar Ngom — the only woman among the contenders.

To avoid a run-off election, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote. While official results are anticipated next week, candidates often announce their own predictions on the same evening as the vote. (ILKHA)