Senegal: Voting commences after delayed presidential election
Casting of ballots has commenced as Senegal goes to the polls on Sunday to vote for its fifth president in a delayed election.
The highly anticipated poll was postponed against a turbulent political backdrop, which led to violent anti-government protests and aided the strength and visibility of the opposition.
Nineteen candidates are competing to succeed President Macky Sall, who is stepping down after a second term marked by deadly protests over the prosecution of firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and allegations that Sall sought to prolong his mandate beyond the constitutional limit.
For the first time in Senegal’s history, the incumbent does not appear on the ballot.
His ruling coalition has chosen former Prime Minister Amadou Ba as its candidate.
Mr Ba had suggested that he is the candidate who offers political stability, serenity, and the capacity to move Senegal forward rapidly.
The opposition candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is backed by Sonko and other top opposition leaders.
Other runners in the election include ex-Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall, Anta Babacar Ngom, who is the only woman running, and veteran politician Idrissa Seck.
About 7.3 million people have registered to vote, with polls opening at 0800 GMT and closing at 1800 GMT.
Vote counting will begin immediately after the polls close, and provisional results are expected by March 26.
