Opposition Supporters Take to the Streets in Dakar, Urging for Quick Senegal Election

Thousands of protesters have gathered in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, calling for swift presidential elections. The demonstration comes after the country's top court blocked President Macky Sall's attempt to postpone the election, which was originally scheduled for this month. Sall's decision, supported by parliament, had caused a political crisis in Senegal, a country that was once seen as a stronghold of democracy in West Africa. Opposition supporters held signs demanding a "Free Senegal" during the rally, the first one permitted by authorities since Sall's announcement two weeks ago. Presidential candidate Malick Gakou emphasized the importance of mobilization and stated that there was no room for error anymore. Protesters in Dakar wore T-shirts with the slogan "Protect our election," referring to the collective organization of religious and civil groups opposed to Sall's controversial decree. The Constitutional Council intervened and invalidated Sall's decree and the associated parliamentary bill, stating that the president could not extend his term beyond April 2, the end of his mandate. Although a new election date has not been set, Sall has promised to consult and propose a revised date. However, the issues that led to the postponement, including allegations of corruption and objections from excluded opposition candidates, remain unresolved. Holding the election using the disputed candidate list could lead to further unrest and violence. Since Sall's decree in early February, most candidates have not been actively campaigning. The country witnessed widespread protests, some of which turned violent, and resulted in numerous arrests. However, tensions have eased since the court's intervention, and the authorities permitted the peaceful march on Saturday. Senegal is considered one of the more stable democracies in West Africa and is the only country in the region to never have experienced a military coup.