Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dakar (Agenzia Fides)- It is official, outgoing President Abdoulaye Wade was re-elected in the first round of presidential elections in Senegal on 25 February (see Fides 23 and 28 February 2007).
Yesterday afternoon the national electoral commission announced that Wade had obtained 55.86% of the votes. In second place with 14.93% former prime minister Idrissa Seck followed with 13.57% gained by Ousmane Tanor Dieng candidate of the Socialist Party, in power since Senegal’s independence in 1960, until 2000, when Wade took over. The results will have to be confirmed and ratified by the constitutional council a body which examines any appeals and queries and finally proclaim the winner of the elections.
Commenting the result President Wade said the elections showed that Senegal’s democracy is making progress. He said the vote was fair and transparent thanks to an effective voting control system to prevent fraud which not even more developed countries have adopted.
The President has received messages of congratulations from various countries including Morocco, Benin, France and Syria. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/3/2007 righe 20 parole 221)
