On Sunday, March 24, 2024, white smoke billowed from Dakar’s Palais de l’Avenue Roum. Habemus Presidentum! The Senegalese people have decided who will guide their future during the next five years (2024-2029).

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 43, is the youngest president of the Republic since Abdou Diouf, who took office at the age of 46 in 1981, despite the fact that official results have yet to be announced.

A historical first—an alternation in the opening round

To top it all off, this finest triumph at the helm of the Republic occurs on the eve of his birthday. Indeed, the new Head of State celebrates his 44th birthday on Monday, March 25, the day after being elected in the first round.

Another remarkable fact is that, in addition to winning more than 56% of the vote against the presidential movement’s candidate (Amadou Ba), Bassirou Diomaye Faye is the first Senegalese opposition leader to achieve an alternation in the first round. It should be noted that the first two alternations (in 2000 and 2012) took place at the end of the second round.