Despite voter intimidation, reported ballot box stuffing and the alleged bribes to coax voters, Senegal’s president Abdoulaye Wade has lost the second round of a fiercely contested presidential election. Preliminary results showed that Wade had not gained the majority of votes at several polling stations.
The 85-year old two-time President congratulated his political rival and former prime minister, Macky Sall, even before the closing of the polls on Sunday and Sall’s supporters celebrated in the streets of the capital, Dakar.
Senegal’s democratic reputation has been thoroughly tested through this year’s presidential election. Violence poured on the streets as a largely youthful anti-Wade collective vowed to take action if Wade were to take a third term. The legality of Wade’s bid for a third term was under question, with the national constitution held under close scrutiny.
Wade’s support base has dimmed during his presidency, especially with the increasing political presence of his son Karim, the perceived heir apparent. Karim was dubbed the “Minister of the Sky and the Earth,” since serving as the Minister of State for International Cooperation, Regional Development, Air Transport and Infrastructure.
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