Senegal’s election delayed amidst protests and controversy

Senegal’s parliament has voted to postpone the country’s presidential election until December 15, following a tumultuous voting process marred by the forceful removal of opposition lawmakers from the chambers. The chaotic scene unfolded as the lawmakers debated President Macky Sall’s decision to delay the crucial election, originally scheduled for February 25.

Security forces stormed the legislative building, forcibly ejecting several opposition lawmakers who sought to block the voting process on the unprecedented delay. The adopted bill extends Sall’s tenure, which was set to end on April 2, until the new election date.

Amid growing protests by opposition supporters against the delay, authorities restricted mobile internet access on Monday. Security forces deployed tear gas against protesters outside the legislative building, resulting in numerous arrests. Demonstrators took to the streets of the capital, Dakar, burning tires and voicing criticism against the government.

In response to the election delay, two opposition parties filed a court petition challenging the decision. It remains uncertain how Senegal’s Constitutional Council will address their request to proceed with the electoral process.

The crisis in Senegal is seen as a test for one of Africa’s most stable democracies, particularly in light of recent coup attempts across the region. Despite Sall’s earlier announcement that he would not seek a third term in office, opposition leaders and candidates denounced the postponement as a “coup.”

Clamping on the media

The African Union has urged the government to expedite the election process and encouraged all parties to resolve political disputes through dialogue. However, activists and opposition figures have condemned the delay, vowing to resist what they perceive as a threat to democracy.

“We will not accept a constitutional coup in this country. It is up to the people to come out and liberate themselves,” said Guy Marius Sagna, an activist and opposition lawmaker, who was among the protesters.

In a move criticized by human rights organizations, the government revoked the broadcasting license of the private Walf television network, which had been covering the protests. Mobile internet services were also shut down due to alleged dissemination of inflammatory messages on social media platforms.

“The government’s abrupt shutdown of internet access via mobile data and Walf TV’s broadcasting … constitutes a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression and press rights protected by Senegal’s constitution,” Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa said in a statement.

Sall cited electoral disputes between the parliament and judiciary regarding candidate qualifications as justification for the postponement. However, critics argue that the decision reflects a decline in democratic principles and risks undermining Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of stability in the region.

The postponement of the election and the government’s response to dissent have raised concerns about freedom of expression and press rights in Senegal. Observers warn that the country’s democracy may be further eroded if such actions continue unchecked.