Presidential hopefuls in Senegal officially launched their election campaigns on Saturday, initiating a critical period of political mobilization. The commencement follows weeks of unrest in the African nation, triggered by the abrupt postponement of the vote, originally scheduled for February 25. The delay, announced by President Macky Sall due to term limits preventing his participation, led to widespread protests and raised concerns about the country’s historical reputation for democratic stability in a volatile West African region.
With only a limited timeframe before the rescheduled March 24 election, the 19 approved candidates face an intensified battle for public support. Senegal, having gained independence over six decades ago, anticipates one of the most tightly contested races in its history. The recent disturbances have highlighted challenges for a nation once regarded as a democratic stronghold amidst regional coups and insecurity.
The Constitutional Council, Senegal’s highest election authority, rejected President Sall’s unilateral decision to postpone the election and directed the government to promptly set a new date. Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana announced the revised election date earlier this week, restoring a semblance of order to the electoral process.
Alioune Tine, founder of the Senegalese think tank Afrikajom Center, expressed concerns that the shortened campaign period might favor candidates with greater financial resources. Tine remarked, “It’s going to be a hard-fought battle,” emphasizing the absence of a clear favorite among the candidates.
As the campaign unfolds, the majority of electoral activities will coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, where fasting is observed from dawn till dusk. Senegal, with a predominantly Muslim population, faces a unique electoral context during this sacred month, expected to commence at sundown on Sunday, contingent upon the moon sighting.
The frontrunners in this election include former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, representing the ruling party, and the relatively lesser-known candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Faye, currently imprisoned but slated for release in time for the elections, gained popularity as the chief of the dissolved PASTEF party. He stepped in for opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, also incarcerated and barred from running, after being charged with corrupting youth and sentenced to two years in prison.
Other notable candidates in the race include former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall, seeking election for the fourth time, and former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck. The only female candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, head of Sedima, one of the country’s prominent food companies, adds diversity to the field. The evolving political landscape promises a fiercely competitive electoral process in Senegal’s quest for new leadership.
