"I would be amazed if Sall doesn't get a first-round victory," says political strategist and election consultant George Ajjan, who has worked on several previous campaigns in Senegal. He cites the absence of heavyweight rivals as a critical factor. Ajjan believes this election has come too soon for the young challenger but his time will come.
"The main thing for him is to build credibility, so he is not seen as a lightweight out of his depth. If Macky wins, Sonko has to be like a shadow president...with credible alternatives and well-thought-out critiques of Sall's economic, political, and security policies."
"(Sonko) needs to establish himself as a credible alternative and continue to build support. It might take him 20 years, but he can get there if he plays his cards right."
