In a tense turn of events, Senegal witnessed clashes on Sunday as police deployed tear gas to disperse opposition supporters protesting President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the upcoming Feb. 25 election. The demonstrations unfolded in the capital, Dakar, following the rejection of the postponement by key opposition leaders and presidential candidates. Amidst this political turmoil, citizens were urged by opposition leaders to “defend” democracy, amplifying the pressure on the nation’s stable political landscape.
The dispute at the heart of the crisis involves a disagreement between parliament and the judiciary, complicating the electoral process. West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has attempted to mediate through dialogue, recognizing the potential threat to Senegal’s democratic stability. Analysts warn that the nation’s political tensions coincide with a broader trend of coups in the region, putting Senegal’s resilient democracy to a severe test.
The situation has escalated due to deadly clashes between opposition supporters and the disqualification of two opposition leaders ahead of the crucial presidential vote. Despite the postponement, several opposition figures remain resolute, with at least two out of the 20 candidates affirming their commitment to proceed with their campaign activities, scheduled to kick off on Sunday.
President Macky Sall, whose tenure is set to end on April 2, defended the decision to delay the election. Senegal’s electoral code mandates an 80-day notice for an election, making the last week of April the earliest possible timeframe for a new vote. Former minister and opposition candidate Thierno Alassane Sall declared his intention to launch the electoral campaign in Dakar, emphasizing the defense of the Constitution alongside like-minded candidates.
Former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall called upon citizens to unite in saving the democratic fabric of the nation. Another opposition candidate, Déthié Fall, echoed the sentiment, urging all candidates to initiate their campaigns. The United States Department of State acknowledged Senegal’s democratic traditions and called for peaceful engagement to swiftly set a new election date and ensure fair electoral conditions.
President Sall, in justifying the postponement, cited a dispute between the judiciary and federal lawmakers regarding the disqualification process and the reported dual nationality of certain qualified candidates. However, opposition leaders argue that Sall lacks the authority to delay the vote, pointing to the Constitutional Council as the rightful body empowered to reschedule the election under specific circumstances.
The postponement decision came after a request from the opposition Senegalese Democratic Party, whose candidate Karim Wade was among those disqualified. Wade, accusing two judges of corruption in the disqualification process, emphasized that delaying the vote would provide an opportunity to rectify the damage suffered by those unjustly disqualified. As Senegal grapples with this political impasse, the international community closely watches the unfolding events, hoping for a swift resolution to safeguard the nation’s democratic integrity.
