BRUSSELS, Mar 26 – The European Union on Monday hailed Senegal’s presidential election, won by opposition candidate Macky Sall, as a “great victory for democracy” in Africa.
“We pay tribute to the citizens of Senegal who voted peacefully in the second round of the presidential election on March 25,” Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, told a news conference.
“We congratulate the Senegalese people for their democratic spirit. Today is a great victory for democracy in Senegal and in Africa. Senegal is a great example for Africa,” Mann said.
Thousands of people celebrated in the streets of Dakar after Sall, 50, a former prime minister, defeated President Abdoulaye Wade in his controversial bid for a third term in office.
Wade called Sall to offer his congratulations and concede defeat after Sunday’s run-off, scotching fears that the 85-year-old would try to cling on to power after 12 years as president.