Following recent Presidential elections in Senegal, which saw incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade defeated by his opponent Macky Sall,  Guy Verhofstadt underlined that the outcome of the election proves "African democracy is alive". 

"The democratic credentials of Senegal have been proven unequivocally by Macky Sall's victory in these elections. In a region beset by unrest, insecurity and civil war, Senegal serves as a lesson in democracy.  The new President  can count on our continued support in developing Senegal.  I am happy to say African democracy is alive. "

Louis Michel, MEP (MR, Belgium) "I salute former President Abdoulaye Wade for his dignified, responsible and constructive attitude to the outcome of the election.   Senegalese citizens as well as the authorities have shown, in this second round of voting, their willingness to hold Senegal up as  a bastion of democracy.  I would like to congratulate President Macky Sall and I fully support his political project to build a state which reconciles the necessary social infrastructure with individual freedoms.  In this sense he shares my vision of Liberalism, which is I believe the only political doctrine that incorporates a global idea of common well-being and creates the conditions for the well- being of everyone.  I am convinced that a Liberal Africa which reconciles peace, prosperity, justice and turns its back on fatalism, neutrality and indifference deserves its place on the international stage."