PRESIDENT Macky Sall’s announcement on Monday that he will not run for a third term in next year’s election has set the stage for a closely watched race to lead Senegal, a country on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producer. While Sall’s party, Alliance for the Republic, and the ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY), have not yet put forward any candidates, potential contenders are emerging within the political landscape.
Prime Minister Amadou Ba, former Prime Minister Mahammad Dionne, and Agriculture Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye are among those being considered as potential candidates. The BBY ruling coalition aims to avoid a prolonged search and primaries as the deadline to submit presidential candidates for the February poll is quickly approaching.
Aymerou Gningue, a former parliament speaker for BBY, stressed the importance of unity and shared values within the coalition as they explore their options. He stated, ‘If we stand unified and put forward our values of solidarity and generosity to find out what we can do for Senegal, we will find a strong consensus.’
While the ruling coalition deliberates, several opposition politicians have already expressed their intentions to run for the presidency, potentially leading to a divided field. The inclusion of firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who came third in the 2019 election, remains uncertain following his recent sentencing to a two-year jail term for immoral behaviour. Sonko, who denies the charges, was initially accused of rape, sparking deadly riots across the country.
Other prominent contenders include former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck, who secured second place in the 2019 presidential poll, and another former Prime Minister, Aminata Toure. Toure distanced herself from the BBY coalition earlier this year after a public fallout with President Sall.
The pool of potential candidates may expand further as parliament is expected to pass bills this week that would enable two other opposition figures, previously struck from the 2019 voter roll, to participate in the upcoming election.
With President Sall stepping down, Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing a shift as various individuals and parties vie for leadership, all against the backdrop of the country’s impending oil and gas production. The upcoming election holds significant importance for the nation’s future trajectory and development.
