Senegal is set to hold its presidential election on June 2, 2024, according to a proposal by a commission appointed by President Macky Sall. The commission, which was tasked with reviewing the electoral code and the constitution, submitted its report to the president on Friday.
The commission recommended that the presidential term be reduced from seven to five years, and that the number of candidates be limited to five, based on the results of the previous election. The commission also suggested that the electoral system be changed from a two-round to a single-round vote, and that the voting age be lowered from 18 to 16.
The commission’s proposal Is expected to be approved by the parliament and the constitutional council, before being put to a referendum in November 2023. The president has the final say on whether to accept or reject the proposal.
President Sall, who was re-elected for a second term in 2019, has pledged to respect the constitutional limit of two terms and not run for a third time. He has also vowed to reform the electoral system and make it more transparent and inclusive.
The opposition, however, has expressed skepticism and distrust of the commission’s proposal, accusing the president of trying to manipulate the electoral process and exclude potential rivals. The opposition has also demanded the release of former presidential candidate Ousmane Sonko, who was arrested in February 2023 on rape charges that he denies.
Sonko, who came third in the 2019 election, is seen as the main challenger to Sall’s ruling coalition. He has mobilized a large following among the youth and the urban poor, who are frustrated by the lack of jobs, services, and democracy. His arrest sparked violent protests across the country, leaving at least 10 people dead and hundreds injured.
Senegal is widely regarded as one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa, but it has also faced social and economic challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has recorded more than 40,000 cases and over 1,000 deaths from the virus, and has suffered a sharp decline in tourism, remittances, and foreign investment.
The upcoming presidential election is seen as a crucial test for Senegal’s democracy and stability, as well as for President Sall’s legacy and vision. The president has said that he hopes to leave behind a more modern, prosperous, and united Senegal, while the opposition has said that it wants to restore the rule of law, human rights, and social justice.
Source: Reuters
