Audio By Carbonatix
The winner of Senegal's presidential election, Macky Sall, has said the poll marks a "new era" for the country.
He was speaking after his rival, current President Abdoulaye Wade, admitted defeat in Sunday's run-off.
Mr Wade was seeking a third term in office, after arguing that a new two-term limit should not apply retrospectively to him.
This sparked violent protests earlier this year in the West African nation, leaving six people dead.
Official results from Sunday's election are expected within two days.
Celebrations in Dakar
Speaking in front of thousands of cheering supporters in the capital Dakar, Mr Sall, 50, promised to be a president for all Senegalese.
He stressed that the people were the main winners in the poll.
Earlier, Mr Wade "phoned his rival Macky Sall at 21:30 GMT to congratulate him after the first results showed him to be the winner of a presidential run-off," the Senegalese Press Agency said.
Mr Wade, 85, has ruled Senegal for 12 years.
Even before Mr Wade's concession, thousands of Sall supporters began celebrating on the streets of Dakar.
They chanted "Macky president!" and "We have won!"
Former allies
Mr Wade brought in a two-term limit for presidential office, but argued that the limit should not apply retrospectively and that he could therefore seek two more terms.
After his plan was upheld by the constitutional court, six people died in violent protests.
In February's first round, Mr Wade fell short of a majority, polling only 34.8%. Mr Sall came second with 26.6%.
Mr Sall owes his political career to Mr Wade, and had held several ministry portfolios before becoming prime minister, the BBC's Thomas Fessy reports from Dakar.
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, our correspondent adds.
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 country, our correspondent says.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Spring Agro Industries urges Ghanaians to choose local rice as imports dominate market
18 minutes -
Youths in Oti push for stronger policies on SRHR and gender-based violence
19 minutes -
Rev Samuel Anthony Kofi Dunya calls for stronger action against child labour and trafficking
20 minutes -
Where the bins are missing: How poor waste management is affecting Ghanaian communities
22 minutes -
Joy FM Back-to-School Fair 2026 draws shoppers as Day One winds down
25 minutes -
AfriYAN Ghana calls for greater youth participation in local governance
25 minutes -
MTN Ghana, University of Ghana seal pact to Drive Digital Future.
30 minutes -
Give time some time
32 minutes -
Volkswagen board approves plan to cut another 50,000 jobs
38 minutes -
Police arrest mother and son over suspected drugs in Dormaa Ahenkro
42 minutes -
NSMQ 2026: Inside the profiles of this year’s three grand finalists chasing glory
42 minutes -
Black Star Experience partners L’extase Limited for new international comedy project
45 minutes -
Morgan’s Miracles pays school fees for children with special needs at House of Mercy
53 minutes -
Boy, 12, dies after car hit by train
56 minutes -
GH¢70k is no ordinary gift, it raises serious ethical questions – Edem Senanu
1 hour