Main candidates in Senegal's presidential election

Senegal's President Macky Sall looks on during the EU Global Gateway Forum 2023, in Brussels, Belgium October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal heads to the polls on March 24 to choose a successor to President Macky Sall who is not seeking a third term.

For the first time in the West African nation's history, the incumbent is not on the ballot. His hand-picked successor, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who was relieved of his duties on Wednesday ahead of the campaigning, is among 19 candidates cleared by Senegal's constitutional council to run.