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Senegal elections update: Opposition coalition gathering momentum
At least six people died in violence before Sunday’s poll but the vote itself was peaceful. EU election observers said it was generally well-run but raised concerns over the handling by authorities of the individual elector cards needed to vote.
While most presidential challengers to Wade have supported the protest movement against his bid, many have still not given their full endorsement to Sall, who like Wade is an economic liberal. The second round is due to be held on either March 18 or 25.
Third-placed Moustapha Niasse, who scored 13 percent, has so far said only that he would refuse any alliance offer by Wade. Socialist candidate Ousmane Tanor Dieng and Idrissa Seck, another former Wade ally, have yet to make clear pronouncements.
In his first post-election news conference, Sall pledged to tackle major Senegalese concerns such as the high cost of food and to prioritize spending to fight poverty.
Wade allies accused Sall of denigrating the role of the mostly Muslim country’s religious leaders, the “marabouts” who in the past have used their influence to swing votes.
However Sall, himself a Muslim, insisted his remark that the marabouts were simple citizens had not been intended to dispute their special role in Senegalese society.
