By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay

The Pan-Africa Alliance for Transparency and Rule of Law (PATROL-AFRICA) has issued out a press release expressing their appreciation and warmest congratulations to Senegalese people for electing Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye as the new president of Senegal.

PATROL-AFRICA, an organization aims to promote openness and respect for the rule of law, and to act as a driver of development in Africa countries, warmly congratulates Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for his election as the President of Senegal.

According to the press release, the people of Senegal have demonstrated that the right to vote- and to have their vote counted- remains an indispensable hallmark of freedom and democracy. The release added that, the just concluded election underscores the critical importance of strong democratic institutions in safeguarding the integrity and fairness of electrical processes. The release clearly stated that, at forefront of this commitment to democracy stands the Constitutional Council. Through its rigorous oversight and impartial adjudication, it reaffirmed the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding the rule of law in a democratic society.

The release stated that, on the 29th March, the highest court in Senegal reaffirmed the electoral victory of

Bassirou Diomaye Faye. By winning more than 54 per cent of the vote in the first round, Mr. Faye will, at 44, become Africa’s youngest head of state when he is inaugurated on April 2, 2024 as the country’s fifth president. “PATROL-AFRICA is pleased that no objections were raised by the other candidates in this regard. It therefore joins the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, in welcoming the unanimous acceptance of the result”, the release highlighted.

It is also reported that, despite the tumultuous period leading up to the election, it is evident that this is a victory for the Senegalese people and the democratic values they hold dear. Once again, the people of Senegal and democratic institutions that underpin the rule of law in the country have set an excellent example, not only for the African continent but also for other countries around the world to emulate.

PATROL-AFRICA, would like to once again congratulate the outgoing President of the Republic, H.E Macky Sall, for abiding by the outcome of the election and respecting the will of the people and the authority of the supreme law of the land. By extending his congratulations and best wishes to the incoming administration of Mr. Diomaye Faye, Mr. Macky Sall has ultimately acted to strengthen democracy in the country, underpinned by the peaceful transition of power and stability.

PATROL-AFRICA salutes all those in Senegal and abroad, electoral commission and observers included, who participated in this peaceful electoral process that shines a positive light on Africa in an era where democratic traditions are under serious threat.