Senegalese head to the polls to vote in a tightly contested presidential election marred by months of unrest that has threatened democracy in one of West Africa’s most stable nations
Senegalese are heading to the polls Sunday to vote in a tightly contested presidential race marred by months of unrest that threatened democracy in one of West Africa’s most stable nations.
The election will take place after much uncertainty following President Macky Sall’s unsuccessful effort to delay the Feb. 25 vote until the end of the year — and then announcing a surprise amnesty for political prisoners.
Two leading opposition figures were released from prison last week to jubilant celebrations.
Sunday’s election is set to be Senegal’s fourth democratic transfer of power since it gained independence from France in 1960. It is also the first vote without an incumbent on the ballot since term limits were introduced and there is no clear frontrunner among the 19 candidates, including one woman.
