His opponents issued a joint statement on Thursday saying they would not challenge the results.

The statement from the four opposition candidates ended days of political uncertainty in Senegal, a democracy long known for peaceful transfers of power.

After the prime minister told ruling party supporters unofficial results showed Sall winning 57 per cent of Sunday's vote, top opponents dismissed the claim and told supporters to prepare for a runoff election.

Election observers reported finding no major irregularities during the presidential vote.

In their statement, the opposition candidates said they still rejected the election's outcome but added: "We will not be taking any recourse at the constitutional council."

The tally was announced on live TV and radio, a rarity in a part of the world where post-election violence is common in many countries.

There were scattered reports of protests, including by university students in Dakar.

Australian Associated Press