In a blow to Senegal’s opposition, the Constitutional Council on Friday disqualified Ousmane Sonko, a popular but embattled figure, from running in next month’s presidential election.
Sonko, who finished third in the 2019 poll, has been at the center of a turbulent standoff with the state for years, sparking protests and raising concerns about political fair play.
The Council cited an incomplete application as the reason for Sonko’s exclusion. Lawyer Cire Cledor Ly, representing Sonko, claims the decision lacked transparency and was likely politically motivated.
“The commission’s composition was irregular,” Ly stated, suggesting a violation of due process. He further denounced the move as an “electoral farce” and vowed to pursue legal appeals.
This latest development comes after a tumultuous period for Sonko, marked by legal battles and imprisonment.
In December, he submitted his candidacy despite facing a two-year sentence for “morally corrupting a young person” and being removed from the electoral register. His lawyers successfully reinstated him, but a separate defamation conviction earlier this week cast further doubt on his eligibility.
Despite these hurdles, Sonko retains significant support, particularly among Senegalese youth drawn to his fiery rhetoric and anti-establishment stance. He champions pan-Africanism and criticizes former colonial power France, resonating with those disenchanted with the political status quo.
President Macky Sall, after initially hinting at a bid for a third term, has instead endorsed his Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, to represent their coalition. This unexpected move opened the door for increased opposition competition, and Sonko’s disqualification now leaves the field less crowded, though not without controversy.
More than 90 candidates initially registered for the February 25th election, and the Constitutional Council is due to finalize the list of approved contenders on January 20th. Sonko’s exclusion, however, raises questions about the fairness of the upcoming vote. His supporters view the decision as politically motivated and fear it could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
Whether Sonko’s legal avenues hold merit or the Council’s ruling stands remains to be seen. Regardless, the disqualification adds another layer of tension to Senegal’s political landscape, raising concerns about potential unrest and casting a shadow over the upcoming elections.
