In a contentious session, Senegal’s parliament has decided to reschedule the presidential election, initially slated for February 25, to December 15 amidst widespread public dissatisfaction.
President Macky Sall’s abrupt postponement announcement on Saturday triggered uproar, leading some opposition lawmakers to disrupt proceedings until security forces intervened.
Riot police dispersed protests outside parliament as legislators debated a bill proposing the postponement until August and extending Sall’s term until his successor’s inauguration.
However, after amendments, the final vote settled on the December date.
The move is expected to stoke further opposition and risks escalating the already simmering tensions, marked by sporadic violent protests in recent years, partly attributed to Sall’s perceived authoritarianism.
Despite disruptions, the bill passed with 105 MPs out of the 165-seat Assembly voting in favour, marking a contentious chapter in Senegal’s democratic journey.
“What you are doing is not democratic, it’s not republican,” said Guy Marius Sagna, who was one of several rebel MPs wearing a sash in the colours of the Senegalese flag.
The postponement faced strong pushback elsewhere on Monday. At least three of the 20 presidential candidates submitted legal challenges to the delay, Constitutional Council documents showed. Two more candidates have vowed to challenge it via the courts.
Around 100 people gathered outside parliament on Monday, after
confrontations on Sunday, chanting “Macky Sall is a dictator”. Police fired tear gas, chased them into side streets and made arrests.
Authorities temporarily restricted mobile internet access from Sunday night, citing hate messages on social media and threats to public order. Several schools sent pupils home early.
