In a municipal election in January, the ruling get together misplaced main cities to the opposition. Sunday’s ballot is one other take a look at.
Senegal’s primary opposition coalition is vying to realize clout in legislative polls on Sunday that may set the scene for a presidential election in 2024 – which might see President Macky Sall run for a controversial third time period.
Tensions have run excessive within the politically steady West African nation since violent protests broke out final 12 months after Sall’s primary opponent Ousmane Sonko, who got here third within the final 2019 presidential election, was arrested on rape expenses. Sonko denies the allegations.
Frustrations with financial hardship introduced by the coronavirus pandemic have been stoked by gasoline and meals value hikes linked to the battle in Ukraine – elevating ire in opposition to a president accused of stifling his rivals and failing on guarantees to enhance livelihoods.
Some opponents concern Sall will breach a constitutional two-term restrict and run once more in 2024, an possibility he has neither confirmed nor denied.
Amid rising discontent, opposition events hope the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition will see its parliamentary majority slip under the 125 out of 165 seats it at present occupies within the Nationwide Meeting.
“Residents have brazenly expressed … fatigue within the face of hovering costs … the excessive value of dwelling, poverty and lack of jobs,” mentioned Moussa Diaw, political science lecturer at Gaston Berger College within the northern metropolis of Saint-Louis.
Senegal – an ocean-facing nation of roughly 17.5 million individuals pushed primarily by agriculture, fishing and tourism – additionally suffered a freeze of commerce with land-locked neighbour Mali. Sanctions had been imposed on Mali in January for failing to organise its personal elections after a coup.
Inflation is anticipated to succeed in 5.5 p.c this 12 months, in line with the Worldwide Financial Fund, which revised its development forecast right down to about 5 p.c final month.
Sall, who swept to energy in 2012 and was elected once more in 2019, hinged his campaigns on big-ticket development initiatives equivalent to a high-speed prepare line and a convention centre, in addition to oil and gasoline manufacturing.
However critics say most of his achievements have primarily benefitted Senegal’s elite, regardless of enhancements in rural infrastructure and electrical energy entry throughout his presidency.
Many additionally accuse Sall of attempting to remove his competitors. Two primary rivals had been jailed on corruption expenses in 2015 and 2018. Sonko is broadly thought of the newest sufferer.
The primary opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi’s nationwide listing for the legislative ballot was disqualified on technical grounds, sparking violent avenue protests throughout Senegal final month.
“The opposition has made exceptional positive aspects amongst public opinion and youths,” mentioned Diaw. “If the president runs for a 3rd time period … the nation might tip into confrontation and disaster.”
In a municipal election in January, the ruling get together misplaced main cities to the opposition.
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