Senegal, the country in West Africa that had been known for its strong democratic foundations is being plagued by political uncertainty, as tensions mount after outgoing president Macky Sall postponed the soon-to-be-held general elections which were to be held in just three weeks.
The news of the delay in the electoral process has sparked outrage as the campaigning for the February 25 elections was just at the helm. The chaos and frustration came out on the streets when the angered youth burned tires in protest of President Macky Sall’s politically influenced decision.
Sall, who is serving his second and final term, declared that the vote will not be held as planned owing to mishaps in the final list of presidential candidates that excluded several opposition members. This in turn led to fierce objections by competing members, who felt that by postponing the elections Macky Sall intended to extend his tenure. They also feared that the latest escalation might repeat the deadly protests which happened last year amid the rumours that he might run for President again.
Up till now, Senegal has remained the sole country that did not experience a military coup. Analysts have suggested that although the recent developments do not amount to a military putsch but are akin to an Illegitimate usurpation of authority.
“Amending the law at the eve of an election and allowing the incumbent to stay in power past when his tenure is supposed to end is a constitutional coup,” Dakar-based analyst Oluwole Ojewale of the Institute of Security Studies told CNN.
The capital of Senegal, Dakar is under tight watch as protests erupted on streets on Sunday and Monday. France is also likely to watch the developments in the aftermath of the recent events, being the former coloniser and a present close ally.
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