Senegal's President Macky Sall defers election in light of rising political unease

Senegal's President Macky Sall has decided to postpone the upcoming elections due to complaints after a large number of candidates were disqualified from running. The president, who has already stated that he will not seek re-election, has not yet set a new date for the elections. The constitutional council has barred several candidates, including some prominent politicians, from participating, leading to controversy. President Sall expressed concerns that these troubled conditions could seriously impact the electoral process. He plans to initiate an open national dialogue to ensure a free, transparent, and inclusive election in a peaceful and united Senegal. An organization of influential Islamic clerics warned against postponing the vote, fearing it would destabilize the country. This delay is unprecedented in a nation known for its stable democracy in the West African region. Out of the twenty candidates initially on the ballot for the original February 25th election, opposition politician Ousmane Sonko, who has faced various legal cases, was excluded due to a libel conviction. Sonko believes he is being targeted in a campaign to prevent him from running for president. Similarly, Karim Wade, the son of a former president, was barred from participating on the grounds of alleged dual citizenship. Wade has called these accusations "scandalous." Some supporters of Wade in parliament have questioned the fairness and impartiality of two judges involved in the final candidate selection process. Meanwhile, authorities deny allegations of unfair application of candidacy rules.