In a move that has raised questions about the political landscape in Senegal, the country’s constitutional council has unveiled the final list of presidential candidates for the upcoming February election. Notably absent from this list are opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade, the son of former president Abdoulaye Wade.
The exclusion of Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure, has generated controversy and concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Sonko’s bid was declared ineligible due to a suspended sentence linked to a defamation case. The authorities, however, deny that this decision is politically motivated, though it has sparked public backlash and unrest.
Another significant absence from the candidate list is Karim Wade, who, along with Khalifa Sall, had aspirations of running in the previous presidential race but was prevented by legal convictions. Both Wade and Sall have since received presidential pardons. Still, Wade’s candidacy this time is disputed due to alleged dual citizenship at the time of submission.
President Macky Sall, who has ruled out a third term, will hand over power following his announcement in July. This decision marks a departure from the region’s trend of leaders using constitutional reforms to extend their mandates. Consequently, the upcoming February 25 election represents a historic moment for Senegal as it is the first time since the country’s independence that an incumbent president does not seek re-election after serving two terms.
With both Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade excluded from the race, the field is wide open, and there is no clear frontrunner at this stage. The spotlight now shifts to President Sall’s chosen successor, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who faces a challenge in proving himself in his first presidential election. Attention also gravitates towards long-time Sall opponents, Khalifa Sall and former prime minister Idrissa Seck, the latter making his fourth run for the presidency.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the inclusion of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the candidate list. Faye was nominated as a backup candidate by members of Ousmane Sonko’s now-dissolved Pastef party in November. Like Sonko, Faye is currently in detention, facing charges that include defamation and contempt of court. His eligibility to run hinges on an unresolved legal case.
Political analysts express uncertainty about the election’s outcome, with Mamadou Sy Albert telling Reuters that it seems unlikely for any candidate to secure over 50% of the vote, which is necessary to avoid a second round. “Whether it’s Amadou Ba or the opposition … it’s difficult to envisage a victory in the first round,” he remarked, emphasizing the divisions within President Sall’s party and concerns about Ba’s lack of experience in presidential elections compared to most of his main opponents.
As Senegal prepares for this pivotal presidential election, the absence of key opposition figures, legal disputes over candidacy, and the potential for a second-round runoff contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the country’s political future.
