On Sunday, tensions escalated in Senegal as police fired tear gas at opposition supporters who were protesting against the decision by President Macky Sall to postpone the country's upcoming presidential election. The protests took place in Dakar, where opposition leaders and candidates had gathered to reject the announced postponement.
The opposition leaders had called on citizens to 'defend' democracy amidst a push for dialogue by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc. This crisis is seen as a crucial test for Senegal's stability, especially in a region that has recently witnessed a rise in coup attempts.
Senegal has been experiencing political tensions leading up to the election. There have been deadly clashes involving opposition supporters, and the disqualification of two opposition leaders further intensified the atmosphere. Despite the postponement, several opposition figures have rejected Sall's decision and declared their intention to proceed with their electoral campaigns, which were scheduled to begin on Sunday.
President Sall's term is set to end on April 2, and Senegal's electoral code stipulates an 80-day notice for an election to take place. As a result, the earliest a new vote could be held is the last week of April. Nonetheless, some opposition figures are planning to continue their campaigns and have called on all candidates to do the same.
The United States Department of State acknowledged Senegal's 'strong tradition of democracy and peaceful transitions of power' and urged all participants in the electoral process to engage peacefully and work towards establishing a new date for the election under conditions that ensure its timely, free, and fair nature.
President Sall justified the postponement by citing a dispute between the judiciary and federal lawmakers regarding the disqualification process and the alleged dual nationality of some qualified candidates. However, opposition leaders argue that the president lacks the authority to delay the vote. According to Senegal's constitution, the power to reschedule elections lies with the Constitutional Council, the highest election authority in the country, and is only applicable in certain circumstances such as the withdrawal or incapacitation of candidates.
The decision to postpone the election followed a request made by the opposition Senegalese Democratic Party, whose candidate Karim Wade was among those disqualified. Wade had accused two judges of corruption in the disqualification process and believed that postponing the vote would provide an opportunity to rectify the damage suffered by the disqualified candidates.
The situation in Senegal remains tense as the political crisis unfolds. The hopes for a peaceful resolution and a timely, free, and fair election now rest on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in dialogue and find a solution that upholds democratic principles. The eyes of the international community are watching Senegal, as a successful resolution could serve as an inspiration for other countries in the region grappling with similar challenges.
