The Constitutional Council rejected Ousmane Sonko’s candidacy. He is a popular opposition leader who has been accused of rape and other crimes. The decision could spark more protests in the West African nation ahead of the February elections.
Sonko’s Legal Troubles
Since he was accused of raping a young woman in 2021, Ousmane Sonko has been facing a series of legal challenges. Based on a report by Reuters, he denied the allegations and says they are politically motivated.
The court acquitted him of the rape charge, but found him guilty of libel and immoral behavior towards individuals younger than 21. Authorities arrested him for insurrection and removed him from the electoral roll. However, he still submitted his candidacy from prison after a court in the south of Senegal ruled in his favor.
However, the Constitutional Council, the highest judicial body in charge of validating the presidential candidates, said on Friday that Sonko’s application was incomplete and lacked some required documents. One of his lawyers, Cire Cledor Ly, said they would file a complaint once they had more information on the missing documents.
Political Tensions
Sonko’s supporters have staged several violent demonstrations across the country over the past two years, demanding his release and denouncing what they see as a political witch-hunt. The protests have left at least 13 people dead and hundreds injured, according to human rights groups.
The government has accused Sonko of inciting violence and dissolved his Pastef party in July. President Macky Sall, who is seeking a third term in office, has also faced criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis.
Sonko, who has a populist rhetoric and appeals to the disillusioned urban youth, has become the voice of the frustrations over the lack of jobs and opportunities in Senegal, one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
Election Outlook
The Constitutional Council has until January 20 to publish the final list of approved candidates for the presidential election, and the election will take place on February 27.
Sall, who has been in power since 2012, has named Prime Minister Amadou Ba as the ruling coalition candidate. Some of Sonko’s allies have applied to run as independent candidates, and he expects to face a divided opposition.
Analysts say that the exclusion of Sonko could reduce the chances of a peaceful and credible election, and increase the risk of more social unrest in Senegal.
However, some civil society groups and religious leaders have called for dialogue and calm, and urged the candidates and their supporters to respect the rule of law and the democratic process.
