Senegal parliament votes to delay election after violent protests

The presidential election in Senegal has been postponed to December 15 following a chaotic vote in the parliament. This decision comes after opposition lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chamber as they debated President Macky Sall’s earlier announcement to delay the election. Sall had initially declared the postponement on February 25, leading to civil unrest in the country. The parliamentary vote, with 105 out of 165 MPs in favor, delays the election until December while keeping Sall in office until his successor takes over. The president, who has already served two terms, was set to leave office on April 2. However, the move to delay the poll further is expected to provoke more unrest.
The bill initially proposed an election date on August 25. As the lawmakers discussed the bill on Monday, security forces used tear gas against protesters outside the parliament in Dakar, resulting in a fiery demonstration against Sall. Demonstrators expressed concerns about the political agenda and the attempt to stay in power. The mood in parliament was tense, with some deputies engaging in physical altercations, leading to a temporary recess. Later, security forces entered the building and forcefully removed opposition lawmakers who were trying to obstruct the voting process.
The postponement faced legal challenges from at least three of the 20 presidential candidates, as well as restrictions on mobile internet access and media censorship. Senegal’s democratic credentials have been cast into doubt, with concerns raised by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the African Union Commission. The crisis has led to fears of violent unrest, similar to previous instances in 2021 and 2023, which resulted in casualties and arrests.
Sall attributed the election delay to a candidate list dispute and alleged corruption within the body overseeing the list. The opposition Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) supported the delay, while other opposition and civil society groups adamantly rejected it, accusing Sall of attempting to extend his time in power.

Author: OpenAI