Senegal President Commits To Elections Amid Political Crisis

• President Sall plans elections before rainy season, vows to step down early.

• 16 presidential candidates boycott national dialogue, demand immediate election date.

• Court deems election delay illegal, orders prompt rescheduling.

Senegal President Macky Sall poses before an interview with The Associated Press at the presidential palace in Dakar, Senegal, Feb. 9 , 2024. Senegal’s President Macky Sall said Thursday, Feb.

AP

Senegal's President Macky Sall has announced that elections will take place before the onset of the rainy season in July. He has also reiterated his pledge to step down from office before his term ends in April. However, the 16 presidential candidates have boycotted a national dialogue, demanding an immediate setting of the election date following a court order.

President Sall had delayed the election for 10 months due to unresolved disputes over candidacy eligibility, which was deemed illegal by Senegal's Constitutional Court. Despite the court's directive to set a new election date promptly, the government has yet to comply.

The national dialogue, aimed at building trust among the populace and political stakeholders, includes representatives from civil society and religious leaders. President Sall emphasized the importance of dialogue and consultation in addressing the country's democratic challenges.

Senegal, once considered a beacon of stability in Africa, is currently grappling with a political crisis stemming from election-related tensions. To ease tensions, President Sall has proposed a general amnesty law to address past violent protests that led to numerous arrests.

The specifics of the amnesty law, including who will benefit from it, remain unclear. Notably, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who is currently incarcerated and barred from running in the election, faces charges of inciting insurrection and corrupting youth.

Senegal's political landscape is in flux as the government and opposition navigate the path towards a peaceful and inclusive electoral process. The country's democratic future hinges on constructive dialogue, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for political freedoms.

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