Amid Political Crisis, Senegal Heads To The Polls 

After weeks of political turmoil, Senegal is in the midst of a crucial presidential election, with citizens casting their ballots to choose a successor to President Macky Sall. 

With seventeen candidates vying for the top position, the outcome of the election holds significant implications for the country’s future direction.

President Sall, having reached the two-term limit, is ineligible to run for re-election, paving the way for a new leader to emerge. 

The election, originally scheduled for last month but postponed by President Sall, has been marred by deadly protests and a democratic crisis, tarnishing Senegal’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.

Seven million eligible voters are participating in Sunday’s election, with contenders spanning various political backgrounds. Leading the race is former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, 62, representing the governing BBY coalition. 

However, his main rival, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, recently released from jail, poses a formidable challenge, rallying support from opposition figures and disillusioned voters.

Notably absent from the ballot is popular firebrand Ousmane Sonko, who was disqualified from running and subsequently imprisoned on what he claims are politically motivated charges. 

Despite his absence, Sonko’s influence looms large, with his ally, Mr. Faye, garnering support from disenchanted voters and the disbanded Pastef party.

In a surprising turn of events, former President Abdoulaye Wade and his PDS party have thrown their weight behind Faye, following the withdrawal of Wade’s son, Karim Wade, over citizenship issues. 

Additionally, the inclusion of Anta Babacar Ngom, 40, as the first female candidate in over a decade adds a new dimension to the electoral landscape.

With results expected in the coming days, the possibility of a second round looms large due to the large number of contestants. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to claim victory, setting the stage for a potential runoff election.

The eyes of the world are on Senegal as it navigates this critical juncture in its political trajectory. 

President Sall, speaking in an interview, defended his decision to postpone the election, asserting that it was done within the framework of the law and regulations. 

Chioma Kalu