Senegal Election: Bassirou Diomaye Faye Leads

Hundreds gathered at Faye's campaign headquarters in the capital Dakar, singing and dancing to the sound of klaxons and drums.

Senegal's anti-establishment candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye appeared to be closing in on victory in a presidential poll that follows several years of unrest and a political crisis, while the governing coalition said it was certain of a second-round vote.

Whoever comes out on top will be tasked with steering Senegal, viewed as a beacon of democracy in coup-hit West Africa, out of its recent troubles and managing revenues from oil and gas reserves that are shortly to start production.

Uncertainty reigned over the outcome of the poll, with official results not expected before the end of the week and an absolute majority is required for a first-round win.

Opposition figure Faye had promised voters profound change and a presidential programme of left-wing pan-Africanism.

He appeared clearly ahead of the governing coalition's former prime minister, Amadou Ba, according to provisional results from individual polling stations published by local media and on social networks.

At least seven of the presidential contenders congratulated Faye in light of initial indications from the ongoing vote count.

"Congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his unquestionable victory," the only woman candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, posted on X.

Dethie Fall congratulated Faye "on his fine victory, clearly achieved in view of the very strong trends that are emerging".

Faye, 44, and Ba, 62, -- both former tax inspectors -- had emerged as the favorites to win in a crowded pack of 17 candidates.

A victory for the opposition's Faye could herald a systemic overhaul in Senegal.

The anti-establishment figure has pledged to restore national "sovereignty," fight corruption and distribute wealth more equitably.