Senegal’s parliament is convening to discuss the proposed postponement of presidential elections by President Macky Sall, which has led to a crisis in the country. Violent protests erupted in the capital city of Dakar, resulting in the arrest of an opposition figure and international concerns. Lawmakers are voting on a proposal to delay the presidential poll for up to six months, requiring three-fifths of the parliament’s support to pass. Presidential candidate Malick Gakou has filed a legal request against the postponement. The government has taken measures like shutting down a private television broadcaster, restricting internet connections, and reinforcing security in response to the tensions. Opposition leaders have criticized the situation as a “constitutional coup” and an attack on democracy. President Sall cited a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the exclusion of certain candidates as the reason for the delay. The international community has expressed concern and called for the rescheduling of the elections. This is the first time since 1963 that a presidential vote has been postponed in Senegal, which has avoided coups in its history.
