Senegal's Diouf concedes defeat

DAKAR, MARCH 20. The President of Senegal, Mr. Abdou Diouf, conceded defeat this afternoon after the weekend presidential election gave victory to Mr. Abdoulay Wade, according to an independent radio report quoting a statement from the incumbent, congratulating Mr. Wade.

Mr. Wade, 73, gained more than 60 per cent of the vote according to radio reports, ousting Mr. Diouf's Socialist Party after 40 years in power since independence from France in 1960.

Mr. Diouf took power from his predecessor, Mr. Leopold Sedar Senghor, in 1981, with Mr. Wade challenging him at all subsequent elections.

The elections went to a second round for the first time. An alliance of 19 Opposition parties joined forces to back Mr. Wade in this, his fifth attempt.

- DPA

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Section  : International
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