Opposition’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye leads race for presidency in Senegal’s presidential election

Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye is leading the race in Senegal’s presidential election, according to local media.

Several of the 17 candidates have conceded to him, however official results have not yet been announced.

Millions took part in a peaceful vote on Sunday, following three years of turbulence and opposition protests against the incumbent, Macky Sall.

The ruling coalition’s choice, Amadou Ba, has denied that he has lost.

He said he expected to contest a run-off vote to decide a winner. This would be required if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.

Mr Faye, 44, a senior official in the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko, had been in jail until 10 days before the vote. Mr Sonko was disqualified from the race because of a defamation conviction, which he said was politically motivated.

The first set of tallies announced on television showed Mr Faye had won the majority of votes, triggering widespread street celebrations in the capital, Dakar.

Supporters set off fireworks, waved Senegalese flags and blew vuvuzelas.

The results led to five opposition candidates declaring Mr Faye the winner. Anta Babacar Ngom, the only female candidate, wished Mr Faye success in a statement.