Senegal's image as a democratic stronghold in a volatile region is at risk as clashes erupt between protesters and police near the National Assembly. Inside, lawmakers approved a controversial bill to extend President Macky Sall's term and postpone elections, abruptly canceled just three weeks before.
Prominent opponent and former mayor of Dakar, Khalifa Sall, who is unrelated to the president, called the postponement a "constitutional coup" and encouraged citizens to demonstrate.His political coalition plans legal action. Another candidate, Thierno Alassane Sall, also unrelated, denounced it as "high treason," urging supporters to rally at the National Assembly.
Needing three-fifths support (99 votes) out of 165 deputies, the proposal passed with 105 votes from the ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yakaar, where President Sall's party holds a slim majority. Security forces reportedly removed some opposition MPs attempting to block proceedings.
The chamber witnessed tension, and a last-minute amendment extended the proposed six-month delay to 10 months (until December 15). President Sall, asserting he won't seek re-election, faces accusations of power retention or influencing his successor.
Following the unprecedented delay announcement, protesters marched in Dakar demanding a reversal. Senegal, historically viewed as West Africa's stable democracy, faces challenges to its democratic reputation, having never experienced a military coup and previously achieving peaceful power transitions without delaying presidential elections..