Senegal: MPs to Debate Election Postponement amid Protests

Senegalese lawmakers will debate a proposal to postpone the presidential election scheduled for later this month.

President Macky Sall announced on Saturday that the vote would be postponed due to a dispute over candidate eligibility, prompting a wave of criticism from opposition leaders and international concern.

The announcement sparked protests on Sunday, with security forces firing tear gas to disperse hundreds of people in the capital, Dakar.

Several people were arrested, including former Prime Minister Aminata Touré and presidential candidate Anta Babacar Ngom.

A local privately owned television station was reportedly taken off the air while broadcasting the protests live.

Some opposition politicians have referred to Mr Sall’s announcement as a constitutional coup. He has said he will not run for re-election.

According to the bill text seen by Reuters, the parliament will debate a proposal on Monday to hold the vote on August 25 and keep Mr Sall in power until his successor is installed.

There have been international calls for a new date to be set as soon as possible due to concerns about further instability.