Senegal’s parliamentarians gathered on Monday to deliberate the postponement of presidential elections as declared by President Macky Sall, triggering a nationwide crisis. This assembly follows a day marred by violent protests in the capital Dakar, where at least one prominent opposition figure was detained, amid escalating international apprehension.
On Sunday, the government took action against a private television station, shutting it down for alleged “incitement to violence” in its coverage of the protests, underscoring the deepening political unrest. Opposition leaders have decried the situation as a “constitutional coup,” decrying what they perceive as an attack on democratic principles.
Monday’s session saw deputies voting on a proposal to delay the presidential poll, initially slated for February 25, for a period of up to six months. The proposal requires the backing of three-fifths of the 165 deputies to be enacted. Given the contentious nature of Sall’s decision and the street demonstrations witnessed on Sunday, the outcome remains uncertain.
President Sall attributed the election delay to a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the disqualification of candidates. He announced plans for a national dialogue to pave the way for a fair, transparent, and inclusive election, without specifying a new date.
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The election row stems from the exclusion of Karim Wade, son of former president Abdoulaye Wade, from the candidacy race by the Constitutional Court, citing his alleged dual citizenship. This decision prompted outcry, with supporters demanding an inquiry into the court’s impartiality. Notably, members of Sall’s party backed the call for an investigation, signaling internal divisions.
Aside from Wade, Ousmane Sonko, a vocal critic of the establishment, has also been barred from running and remains imprisoned since July 2023. His surrogate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has emerged as a formidable contender, posing a challenge to Sall’s camp.
The international community has expressed alarm over the election postponement. The United States, European Union, France, and the African Union have urged for the swift rescheduling of the vote. African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the importance of resolving the political dispute through dialogue and called for transparent, peaceful elections.
This marks the first postponement of a presidential vote in Senegal since 1963, raising concerns among some protesters who view Sall’s actions with suspicion and fear erosion of democratic freedoms. Amidst the uncertainty, sentiments of distrust and discontent linger, exemplified by trader Ousmane Biteye’s declaration that “Macky Sall wants to make us slaves.”
