Senegal Heads to Elections Overshadowed by Deadly Protests

Senegal upcoming elections marred by violent demonstrations, posing a threat to the country’s longstanding reputation as one of Africa’s exemplary democracies.

Senegal is preparing for its upcoming elections on Sunday, following a period of turmoil, violence, and uncertainty that raised concerns about the state of democracy in one of West Africa’s most stable nations.

According to analysts, this presidential election is the most unpredictable in Senegal since gaining independence from France over 60 years ago.

The voting day arrives just seven weeks after President Macky Sall unexpectedly canceled the election, which compromised Senegal’s reputation as a model democracy in Africa.

In the face of protests that resulted in four deaths and the imprisonment of hundreds, Sall was compelled to reverse his decision, as critics believed it was an attempt to hold onto power.

Experts predict that the competition will primarily be between Amadou Ba, Sall’s chosen successor, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a prominent opposition candidate who was recently released from prison.

Olayinka Ajala, a senior lecturer in politics and international relations at Leeds Beckett University, suggests that Ba may have an advantage due to the support of the state apparatus. However, Ajala emphasizes that the outcome is too close to predict definitively.

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However, Pat Thaker, the editorial director at Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), is of the opinion that Faye stands the best chance of winning. This is mainly due to the endorsement he received from the charismatic Ousmane Sonko, who was recently released from jail but is unable to run for election due to disqualification.

Sonko and his anti-establishment, anti-corruption stance have garnered a significant following in Senegal, a country that has not experienced a coup since gaining independence in 1960.

As the elections approaches, Ba has taken a more aggressive stance, reassuring his supporters that the “bandits” will not emerge victorious.

While many believe the election will bring an end to the recent violence in Senegal, some experts have cautioned about the possibility of renewed tensions, especially if Ba emerges as the winner.

It is unlikely that either candidate will win by a large margin, with expectations pointing towards a runoff.

This presidential race has been labeled as the most competitive among the 12 elections held since Senegal’s independence from France, according to Sidy Diop, the deputy editor of the country’s daily newspaper, Le Soleil.

The winner will face the challenge of navigating Senegal out of its recent challenges and effectively managing the revenues from the newly discovered oil and gas reserves.

The discovery of over 1 billion barrels of oil and 900 billion cubic meters of gas has raised hopes for future prosperity, a significant development in a country where 39% of the population lives in poverty, according to the UN World Food Programme.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has further boosted these hopes by forecasting an 8.8% economic growth this year, driven by the anticipated commencement of oil and gas production – more than double the growth rate from last year.

Senegal’s significant youth population will have a significant impact on determining Sall’s successor. With an average age of 22 years, the demographics in Senegal strongly support Faye and Sonko. Sonko’s enthusiastic youth following has been established through his criticisms of elites and France, the former colonial power.

Approximately one-third of young individuals in the nation are unemployed, with many aspiring to migrate to Europe or America in hopes of better opportunities.

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On Sunday, seven million Senegalese citizens are set to vote, with 18 men and one woman on the ballot. While the female presidential candidate has minimal chances of winning, activists believe that Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old business executive, is contributing to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in the country.

Senegal is preparing for elections amidst a backdrop of violent protests, putting the country’s status as a leading democracy in Africa at risk