Senegal just elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the youngest African president in history, after a contentious effort by his opposition party P.A.S.T.E.F. (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity) against the sitting President Macky Sall. Before Faye, it was P.A.S.T.E.F. party leader Ousmane Sonko who ran as President, however, he was sentenced to two years in prison for various accusations, one of them being inciting insurrection. The political party was also dissolved by the Minister of Interior and Public Security. Faye, the then Secretary-General of the Party became the next candidate; and while never being convicted of a crime, was detained by police and eventually released along with Sonko and hundreds of other political prisoners after the constitutional council overturned President Macky Sall’s attempt to stall the election. Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s policy platform is based on Pan-Africanism; the concept of African independence from Western or outside foreign powers. 

This political debacle is evidence that Senegal has the democratic institutions and willpower to resist acts of authority that do not align with the rule of law. The reasons for this democratic victory in a region teeming with military coups is what Senor Director of The Africa Center, Rama Yade refers to as “democracy as culture.” Yade explains that all facets of Senegalese society “are imbued with this democratic culture” which made the former government acquiesce and accept the election of Faye. This election is an important precedent because of an unobstructed election process and the first election victory of an opposition candidate in the first round. 

The outcome of this election shows that Senegal’s political institutions are resistant to the undemocratic trends seen in the region and an important example for others to follow. This election proves that democracy in this region can stand the test of time if people collectively voice their desire for it. And, while a young candidate with bold ideas creates momentum and a sense of transformation, there are still harsh political realities that impede the best of intentions. There is social inequality, Islamic terrorism, and a young population who are struggling to find work. Democracy is not just symbolic and extends far beyond holding elections. The new president has ambitious goals, but if he fails to fulfill them, undemocratic political forces could prevail. 

To understand this new president’s popularity, his proposals need to be understood as well. One of the new president’s most vocal platforms is his desire for France to no longer participate in African affairs, specifically saying he will no longer use the C.F.A. Many see French influence in the region as unnecessary, justly accusing financial institutions like the C.F.A. Franc as an obstacle to economic development in Africa. He also wants to transform energy by developing oil and natural gas, challenge corruption, and restructure executive and judicial powers. 

This recent election is proof that democracy is strong in Senegal and that populist candidates can be elected. What remains to be seen is if this president can deliver on his ambitious policy agenda. If this young president can reform his economy and provide more opportunities for his citizens then democracy will become even more ingrained in Senegalese society. This new administration could also provide an effective example to follow for other African nations who want to achieve similar ends. A lot rides on young leaders with big promises and oftentimes political backlash can follow if promises are not kept.