Faye sought a clear parliamentary majority in Sunday’s vote to implement the reform agenda that helped sweep him to power in a landslide election victory in March.

But analysts say creating a budget catering both to his voters’ needs and to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with which his government is currently in talks, will be challenging.

Former president Macky Sall, who headed an opposition coalition, on Monday congratulated Pastef on its win. Former prime minister Amadou Ba, who ran against Faye in the presidential election, also conceded defeat, as did other opposition leaders.

Senegal’s sovereign debt rose in price on Monday, Tradeweb data showed, while most other African nations’ bonds lost ground. The yield on its 2033 dollar bond was down about 10 basis points by 1145 GMT at 9.28%.

“If confirmed by the electoral bodies, Pastef’s victory could give a free hand in passing budgets and implementing its programmatic reforms,” said Wendyam Lankoande, a consultant at Africa Practice.

But, he noted, voters are “looking for quick solutions to unemployment, rising cost of living, and limited reach of public services in remote rural areas in the hinterland”.

In September, a government audit revealed that Senegal’s debt and budget deficit were much wider than the previous administration had reported. A $1.9 billion IMF programme agreed in June 2023 has been on hold since.

Negotiations with the IMF to restart disbursements could last until mid-2025.

“We see Pastef’s majority as a positive development as it clears the path for President Faye and (Prime Minister Ousmane) Sonko to begin work on a budget for 2025 that aligns broadly with IMF requirements,” said Leeuwner Esterhuysen, senior economist at Oxford Economics Africa.

“That said, some of these requirements won’t necessarily go down well with Senegalese citizens.”

He said the Fund was likely to show some leniency, as it appears to have good relations with the new administration.

“We think the government may be able to delay the implementation of harsh measures such as removing VAT exemptions on farming inputs or increasing household electricity prices, while energy subsidies will be phased out gradually to limit the impact on consumers,” Esterhuysen said.

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Last month, 44-year-old Mr Faye won the delayed elections, securing 54% of the vote, ahead of his main challenger Amadou Ba.

On Friday, the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed Mr Faye as the winner.

Heads of state from around the continent attended the inauguration ceremony, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who is also chair of the regional bloc, ECOWAS.

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Players in France last weekend wore the shirts with rainbow-coloured numbers to show support to the LGBTQ movement, French state-owned broadcaster France 24 reports.

It quotes PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino as citing “personal reasons” for the player’s absence on the field.

The reports have sparked criticism against Gueye who is a devout Muslim. He has not reacted to the reports.

But in a tweet, Senegalese President Sall said the player’s “religious convictions must be respected”.

The case has seen Valerie Pecresse, a candidate at the French presidential election last month, call for sanctions against the player.

“A refusal by Idrissa Gana Gueye to join the fight against homophobia could not remain without sanction!” she tweeted.

Many Senegalese people are deeply religious, and those in same-sex relationships are often forced to hide their sexuality.

Homosexual acts are banned in the West African country. It is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $2,500 (£1,500).