Senegal election dominated by freed prisoner Faye and heir apparent Ba - BBC News

Their rivalry underpins a big divide in the nation, regarded as a beacon of West African democracy.

7 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Khadidiatou CisséBBC News, DakarIt is a crowded field of 18 in the battle for Senegal's top job, but two men - recently freed opposition politician Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the ruling party's heir apparent Amadou Ba - look most likely to win over voters in Sunday's presidential election.

Their rivalry underpins a massive divide and clash of outlook in the country, usually regarded as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, especially over its relationship with France, the former colonial power.

The poll is a rushed job - the date was announced with less than three weeks' notice, following a month of confusion and violent protests.

What seems to unite most Senegalese is the anger directed at outgoing President Macky Sall who tried to postpone the election - originally scheduled for 25 February - until December.

Mr Sall has told the BBC he acted to protect the integrity of the vote after allegations of corruption and disputes over the eligibility of some presidential candidates.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68626115

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