Diomai Fay won the elections in the first round by obtaining about 53.7% of the votes (Reuters)

The winner of the presidential elections in Senegal, Bessirou Diomaye Faye, defined his priorities in his first speech since winning the elections in the first round, and was keen to send messages to his citizens and his country's external partners.

The Electoral Commission said that the preliminary results of the elections, which took place the day before yesterday, Sunday, gave Fay about 53.7%, while Amadou Ba, who belongs to the ruling coalition, obtained 36.2%, after 90% of the votes were counted.

Diomay Faye stressed - in a televised speech - that by electing him, “the Senegalese people made the choice to break away” from the existing regime in the country, he said, and pointed out that the “priority projects” during his reign would be “national reconciliation and rebuilding institutions,” in addition to “ Significant reduction in the cost of living.

He added, "I am committed to governing with humility and transparency and to fighting corruption at all levels."

On the external level, the President-elect said, “I would like to say to the international community and to our partners that Senegal will always maintain its position, and will remain a friendly country and a safe and reliable ally for any partner who will engage with us in honorable, respectful, and fruitful cooperation for both parties.”

“A victory for Senegalese democracy.” Outgoing President of Senegal, Macky Sall, congratulates Basirou Diomaye Faye on his victory in the presidential elections pic.twitter.com/DNbTHUanvs

- Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) March 26, 2024

He added that he intends to work to bring about changes within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Senegal, which enjoys stability unlike its neighbors, is one of the pillars of this regional organization that has been rocked by 8 military coups in the region since 2020.

In his speech, Diomai Faye said, “I issue a call to our African brothers and sisters to work together to consolidate the gains achieved in the ECOWAS integration processes while correcting weaknesses and changing some political approaches, strategies and priorities.”

Fay, who has just turned 44 and has never held any elected national office, will become Senegal's fifth president and the youngest president in the West African country with a population of 18 million.

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Fay on his victory, stressing that he looked forward to "working with him."

France, the former colonizer of Senegal and its first political and economic partner, hopes to maintain strong relations with this country after the many setbacks it suffered in the region, especially in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, where it was forced to cut off all forms of military cooperation with these three countries.

Rival candidate Amadou Bah and President Macky Sall congratulated President-elect Fay and hailed the result as a victory for Senegal. “The Senegalese people have strengthened our democracy,” Ba said. “I wish him (Fay) success as head of our country.”

The Dakar Court of Appeal is expected to announce the full official results next Friday, and many hope the vote will bring stability and economic support to Senegal after three years of unprecedented political turmoil that saw bloody anti-government protests.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies