But Faye's victory has left the population, particularly its youth, feeling energised.
"I feel free. We are finally free. Senegal is free," said Elhadji Thiam, 27, a merchant and staunch supporter of the Patriots of Senegal (Pastef), Faye's antiestablishment party.
Faye, a former tax inspector, pitched himself as a pan-Africanist intent on steering Senegal towards economic sovereignty and weeding out corruption. At 44, Faye is seen by Senegal's youth as a relatable figure with values informed by a traditional upbringing.
His main rival, the governing coalition's Amadou Ba, conceded defeat after failing to woo voters on a promise of continuing the status quo. It was the first time since Senegal's independence from France in 1960 that an opposition candidate won in the first round.
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