Jonathan Says Senegal Vote Good For Africa

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday congratulated Macky Sall on his election as the new president of Senegal, joining leaders who have called the vote an example of African democracy.

AFP quoted Jonathan as saying in a statement from his office that Sall’s election was a “victory for democracy and just reward for all Senegalese people who kept faith in the democratic process.”

The Nigerian leader also commended incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade “for graciously accepting defeat, showing great maturity and statesmanship and organising an election that was adjudged free and fair”.

“The outcome of the election in Senegal is good for West Africa and the African continent,” Jonathan said.

Wade has called Sall, a former prime minister, to offer his congratulations and concede defeat, dousing fears that the 85-year-old would try to cling on to power after 12 years as president.