IN a swift response to President Macky Sall’s announcement of the postponement of the presidential election, Senegalese police cracked down on protests on Sunday. Sall declared the delay due to a dispute over the candidate list and alleged corruption within the constitutional body responsible for handling the list. Some opposition and civil society groups labelled the move as an ‘institutional coup.’
Parliament is set to debate a proposal on Monday that suggests rescheduling the vote for August 25, allowing Sall to remain in power until his successor is installed. This unprecedented move has raised concerns about democratic stability in Senegal, known for being one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
Groups of protesters took to the streets on Sunday, blocking traffic in Dakar with makeshift barricades of burning tires. In response, police in riot gear fired tear gas and detained protesters, resulting in at least two opposition presidential candidates being swept up in the chaos. Candidate Daouda Ndiaye reported being attacked by police, while the campaign manager of Anta Babacar Ngom was detained by security forces.
Former prime minister Aminata Toure also confirmed her detention, expressing concern about what she referred to as ‘unprecedented democratic regression’ in response to the election postponement.
Protests are expected to escalate as further demonstrations are planned outside parliament on Monday. Following President Sall’s announcement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed concern about the circumstances leading to the postponement and called for a swift announcement of a new election date.
The French foreign ministry joined in, urging Senegalese authorities to remove uncertainty surrounding the electoral timetable, emphasising the importance of holding elections promptly and in compliance with Senegalese democratic rules. The situation in Senegal unfolds against a backdrop of political unrest, with the potential to impact the region’s stability.
