Although Faye is Sonko’s deputy, he is only on the ballot because Sonko has been barred from standing and in voters’ eyes, they are a package deal.The duo have attacked Ba as “the greatest danger facing Senegal today”.They have also questioned where his wealth came from, branding him a “billionaire civil servant” who “will be the president of foreign countries”.Faye pledged Friday to bring “radical reform” to Senegal, to renegotiate mining, oil and gas and defence contracts, while at the same time offering assurances to foreign investors.”Henceforth we will be a sovereign State, independent, which will work with everyone, but in win-win partnerships”, he said.The pair are hoping to harness Sonko’s charisma and popular appeal in a country where half of the population is under 20.Sonko has drawn a passionate following with Senegal’s youth through his rhetoric on sovereignty, as well as attacks on elites, multinationals and colonial ruler France.Experts have warned of the potential for tensions to flare on Sunday and after — particularly if Ba wins in the first round, or Faye fails to reach the second.
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