'Finally free' Victory for democracy electrifies Senegal

Just 10 days before he was elected Senegal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in prison. Years of political turmoil have left the west African state's democracy teetering on the brink of collapse, with deadly uprisings and the jailing of opposition figures commonplace.

- Annika Hammerschlag

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.