Præsidenten i den tidl. franske koloni omfortolkede forfatningen, så han kunne stille op igen, igen – det skulle han nok ikke have gjort, for han tabte i anden og afgørende runde af præsidentvalget søndag.
Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade has admitted defeat in a run-off election to his rival Macky Sall, BBC online reports Sunday.
Mr Wade had changed the constitution to be able to run for a third consecutive term. The move sparked violent protests earlier this year, leaving six people dead. Mr Wade, 85, has ruled the West African nation for 12 years.
Even before Mr Wade’s concession af defeat, thousands of Sall supporters began celebrating on the streets of the capital, Dakar.
In February’s first round, Mr Wade fell short of a majority, polling only 34,8 per cent, while Mr Sall came second with 26,6 per cent.
A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Monday, that the peaceful election was “a great victory for democracy in Senegal and in Africa. Senegal is a great example for Africa.”
African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping said the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections “proved that Africa, despite its challenges, continues to register significant progress towards democracy and transparent elections”.
Mr Sall (50) owes his political career to Mr Wade, and had held several ministry portfolios before becoming prime minister.
But, the two men fell out over the handling of public spending by Karim Wade, the president’s unpopular son, whom many believe has been trying to succeed his father.
Mr Sall has promised that, if elected, he will shorten the presidential term to five years from the current seven, and enforce a two-term limit. He has also promised to bring in measures to reduce the price of basic foodstuffs.
The new leader also faces the difficult task of tackling rising unemployment in the West african country.
