[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ELECTIONS IN SENEGAL

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the people 
of Senegal on their recent democratic presidential elections. On March 
19, the citizens of Senegal selected a new leader, Abdoulaye Wade of 
the Senegalese Democratic Party, in run-off elections for the 
presidency. This election was not just for show. The Senegalese people 
were not simply going through the motions of political participation. 
Rather this was a remarkable moment in Senegalese and African history. 
After 40 years of Socialist Party rule, the Senegalese people 
peacefully and democratically took control of their country's destiny 
and chose to make a change.
  I also want to acknowledge the behavior of incumbent President Abdou 
Diouf, who has held power for two decades. President Diouf lost the 
vote, but he won the respect of champions of democracy worldwide when 
he accepted the choice of the voters and gracefully congratulated Mr. 
Wade on his victory. The manner in which he leaves office will be one 
of the richest elements of his legacy.
  Mr. President, so often the only news that Americans hear from Africa 
is news of war and oppression, of flood and famine, of disease and 
drought. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's 
Subcommittee on Africa, I have often come to this floor to speak about 
abuses and conflicts in the sub-Saharan region. But I have also spent 
enough time learning about Africa to know that small victories are won 
each day--in cities and villages across the continent, individuals, 
families, and communities are making real progress in their quest for a 
better future. This month the people of Senegal won a truly great 
victory, and it is my pleasure to call this Senate's attention to their 
achievement.

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