'Yes' lead in Senegal referendum vote - Interior Minister

The “Yes” lead with almost 63% of the votes in Sunday’s constitutional referendum in Senegal, the country’s Interior Minister said on Tuesday.

“It is clear from (figures) county committees (for counting of votes), pending the official announcement, the current yes would win the election with 62.9% against 37.1% for No,” said Minister Abdoulaye Daouda Diallo at a news conference.

Based on the results from the 45 departmental committees of the votes, the local media had reported that the “Yes” won Sunday’s election with 62.54% of votes announced.

Several officials of the “No” camp congratulated those of “Yes” for their victory in statements to the press.

The constitutional amendment which was proposed by President Macky Sall has five points, which includes reducing the presidential term in office from the current seven to five years.

It also strengthens the rights of citizens and the opposition, while enforcing the powers of the legislature and judiciary.

Macky Sall had promised the reduction during his campaign.

Voter turnout was put at 40.42%.

The official results will be announced by the National Commission on Census (CNRV) and the Constitutional Council.

AFP