Senegal’s Parliament Considers Postponement of Presidential Elections Amid Protests and Internet Cuts
Senegal is currently facing a political crisis as its parliament convenes to discuss the postponement of the presidential elections, a decision made by President Macky Sall. This move has sparked violent protests across the country and has led to internet cuts in certain regions. The parliamentary session, which took place on Monday, saw lawmakers voting on a proposal to delay the elections for up to six months. To pass, the proposal requires the support of three-fifths of the 165-seat parliament.
The decision to postpone the elections has triggered a series of events that have heightened tensions within the West African nation. On Sunday, a private television broadcaster was taken off the air by the government for “incitement to violence” due to its coverage of the protests. Furthermore, there have been restrictions on motorcycle movements in the capital city of Dakar, and internet connections have been limited in certain areas. The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy stated that this action was taken to prevent the dissemination of “hateful and subversive messages” on social media platforms that could disrupt public order.
Prior to the start of the legislative debate, security forces used tear gas to disperse an opposition rally outside the parliament building. Opposition leaders have labeled the current situation as a “constitutional coup,” claiming that it undermines democracy in Senegal. President Sall defended his decision to delay the vote, citing a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the rejection of certain candidates. He expressed his intention to initiate a national dialogue to ensure a free, transparent, and inclusive election but did not provide a new date for the postponed elections.
The dispute that led to the election delay arose from the Constitutional Court’s exclusion of Karim Wade, son of former president Abdoulaye Wade, from running for the presidency. Wade was disqualified due to allegations of holding French citizenship, a decision he vehemently criticized as “scandalous.” Supporters of Wade in the National Assembly have called for an inquiry into the impartiality of two judges on the Constitutional Court.
In addition to Karim Wade, another candidate barred from running is Ousmane Sonko, a prominent anti-establishment figure who has been in jail since July 2023. However, his surrogate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been approved to run and has emerged as a strong contender against President Sall.
The international community has expressed concern over the decision to postpone the elections. The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, called on Senegal to resolve its political dispute through dialogue and consultation. He urged authorities to organize the elections quickly, ensuring transparency, peace, and national harmony. The United States, European Union, and France, Senegal’s former colonial ruler, have also appealed for the rescheduling of the vote as soon as possible.
This postponement marks the first time since 1963 that a presidential election has been delayed in Senegal, a country that has managed to avoid coups throughout its history. The outcome of the parliamentary session will determine the future course of action for Senegal and its political landscape.
