Senegal's President-elect hails 'new era'

Senegal's president-elect Macky Sall hailed a new era after his victory in Sunday's presidential election. He was speaking after his rival, current President Abdoulaye Wade, admitted defeat.

The outgoing President Abdoulaye Wade conceded election defeat and congratulated Macky Sall, as preliminary results gave an overwhelming lead to his runoff rival.

Wade was seeking a third term in office, after arguing that a new two-term limit should not apply retrospectively to him.

This sparked violent protests earlier this year in the West African nation, leaving six people dead.

Official results from Sunday's election are expected within two days.

Wade brought in a two-term limit for presidential office, but argued that the limit should not apply retrospectively and that he could therefore seek two more terms.

After his plan was upheld by the constitutional court, six people died in violent protests.

In February's first round, Wade fell short of a majority, polling only 34.8%. Sall came second with 26.6%.

Sall owes his political career to Wade, and had held several ministry portfolios before becoming prime minister.

But, the two men fell out over the handling of public spending by Karim Wade, the president's unpopular son, whom many believe has been trying to succeed his father, our correspondent adds.

Sall has promised that, if elected, he will shorten the presidential term to five years from the current seven, and enforce a two-term limit. He has also promised to bring in measures to reduce the price of basic foodstuffs.

The new leader also faces the difficult task of tackling rising unemployment in the country, our correspondent says.