Senegalese citizens took to the polls on Sunday to participate in a tightly contested presidential race that has been marred by months of uncertainty and unrest. This election serves as a test for Senegal, a country known for its reputation as a stable democracy in a region that has witnessed a series of coups in recent years.
The election follows President Macky Sall’s unsuccessful attempt to postpone the vote until the end of the year, which sparked violent protests. Sall, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, faced a backlash from the public, and the voting process is now taking place during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.
As polling stations opened, long queues formed outside, while the streets of the capital city, Dakar, remained largely deserted. To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, the nation’s elite police force was deployed across the city in armored vehicles, diligently checking voters’ cards. Results from the election are expected to be announced next week.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s vote, there was a significant development as opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was released from prison. His release triggered jubilant celebrations in the streets of Dakar and reignited excitement about the election. Sonko had been barred from running due to a prior conviction for defamation. Despite being unable to contest the election himself, Sonko has thrown his support behind his key ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was also freed from prison last week.
The enthusiasm of the Senegalese people was evident as Khodia Ndiayes, a 52-year-old cook, expressed her choice for Faye on the ballot. Ndiayes stated that she wants Sonko to win and believes that a new president is necessary due to the high cost of living, a struggling economy, and the need for improved education.
The economy has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns for Senegalese voters, as high food and energy prices have put a strain on the country. These price hikes have been partly attributed to the war in Ukraine. In addition to this economic hardship, the country is grappling with an alarmingly high youth unemployment rate, with nearly a third of young people in Senegal currently without work. This desperate situation has driven many young individuals to embark on perilous journeys in search of employment opportunities in Western countries.
In a region plagued by military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Senegal has stood as a beacon of stability. The upcoming election is set to mark the country’s fourth peaceful and democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. However, despite this track record, the electoral process leading up to this election has been marred by violence and unrest. Numerous opposition protesters have been detained and imprisoned, casting a shadow over the credibility of the election.
The race features a record-breaking number of candidates, with a total of 19 individuals vying for the presidency, including one woman. This reflects a growing diversity and openness within the political landscape of Senegal. However, this diversity is threatened by the suppression of opposition voices and the arrests of protesters.
Mame Diarra Juey, a 29-year-old administrator, experienced firsthand the consequences of opposing the current regime. After being arrested at a protest, she spent a month in prison. Despite this ordeal, she has emerged with a renewed determination to bring about change and raise awareness in her community about the importance of voting.
This tightly contested race, with analysts predicting that no candidate will receive more than 50% of the vote. This means that a runoff election is likely to take place. Among the candidates vying for the presidency are Faye, Amadou Ba, Khalifa Sall, and Idrissa Seck. Faye has already garnered support from two candidates who dropped out of the race last week, signaling the beginning of coalition-building efforts that could have a significant impact on the final outcome.
In the town of Fatick, located around 167 kilometers from the capital, voters patiently lined up outside polling stations. The majority of the individuals waiting to cast their votes were women and elderly citizens. Security for the election was taken seriously, with the army deployed to ensure the safety and integrity of the voting process. To prevent any fraudulent activity, voters had their fingers stained with red ink as a means of ensuring that no one could vote more than once.
One elderly voter, Fodé Ndour, expressed his pride in having exercised his civic duty. With a cane in hand, he made his way to the polling station and cast his vote, joining many others in participating in this crucial election for the future of Senegal.
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