Senegal's ruling coalition concedes key cities in local elections

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Senegal's ruling party conceded defeat in key cities across the West African country on Monday a day after nationwide local polls.

The country voted in municipal and regional elections amid simmering tensions over whether President Macky Sall will seek to extend his rule beyond the two-term limit.

"Our will to capture (the capital) Dakar and southern city of Ziguinchor, in particular, was not conclusive. So goes the democratic game," the ruling party coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar said in a statement.

It congratulated the other candidates, describing the vote a triumph of democracy.

It also called on all its activists and leaders to strengthen their unity and mobilization for more resounding victories in future elections.

The local elections were widely seen as a test of the ruling party's, and Sall's, popularity particularly ahead of legislative elections slated for June and a presidential polls scheduled in 2024.

Several government candidates were defeated by their opposition competitors.

Political observers said the result of the local elections could force the president to abandon thoughts of a third term and to abide by constitution.

The West African country has long been considered one of Africa's most stable democracies.

Sall, 60, assumed power in 2012 and won re-election in 2019.​​​​​​​