People in Senegal are currently voting for a new president amidst weeks of political turmoil.
With seventeen candidates vying for the position, each aims to succeed President Macky Sall, who is ineligible to run for a third term due to reaching the two-term limit.
The election, initially scheduled for last month, was postponed by Mr. Sall, sparking violent opposition protests and a democratic crisis.
Senegal, previously lauded as a stronghold of democracy in West Africa, is now facing significant political challenges.
In Sunday’s election, seven million eligible voters are set to participate.
One of the contenders for Senegal’s presidency is former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, aged 62, representing the governing BBY coalition.
His primary opponent is perceived to be Bassirou Diomaye Faye, aged 44, who was recently released from detention after being held since April 2023 on charges of insurrection, which he claims were politically motivated.
Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure who was recently released from prison on what he claims were fabricated charges, is unable to run in the election.
However, his disbanded Pastef party is endorsing his close ally, Mr. Faye.
Additionally, former President Abdoulaye Wade and his PDS party have thrown their support behind Mr. Faye, following the withdrawal of Wade’s son, Karim Wade, due to his dual French-Senegalese citizenship.
In a notable development, Anta Babacar Ngom, aged 40, representing the ARC party, is the first female candidate in the race in over a decade.
Results are anticipated within days, and a second round of voting is likely due to the significant number of contestants.
A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to be declared the winner.
The global community will closely observe whether the election process contributes to restoring Senegal’s tarnished reputation.
President Sall, in an interview with the BBC earlier this week, stated that he had “no apology to make” for delaying the election, which was initially scheduled for February 25th.
He reiterated his stance, asserting, “I have done nothing wrong.” He emphasised that the choice to postpone the vote was not unilateral but was made in response to electoral concerns raised by members of parliament.
He further stated that all actions taken were in accordance with the law and regulations.
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