- Mobile Internet Cut off
By Isaac Akerele
Lawmakers begin debate in the Senegalese parliament today over proposal to delay the upcoming presidential election amid mobile internet black out. Authorities claim the measure is needed to prevent the spread of “hateful and subversive messages” as public anger mounts.
Originally set for February 25th, the vote is now shrouded in uncertainty amidst a brewing political crisis.
The postponement plan came after President Macky Sall announced a delay to the election on Saturday, just as campaigning was set to begin.
Lawmakers are now examining a bill to push back the election up to a year, potentially until February 2025. Supporters of Presidential hopeful, Karim Wade, claim this is necessary to “avoid instability and unrest” while ensuring the electoral process fully resumes.
Parliamentary allies of President Sall also endorse delaying the vote. They argue Senegal’s “realities” warrant an extension, citing difficulties campaigning in the rainy season and possible conflicts with major religious holidays.
Critics blast the plan as a bald-faced attempt by Sall to cling to power beyond his term. Opposition leaders vowed to fight the proposed delay “by any legal means necessary.”
Meanwhile, angry protesters flooded Dakar’s streets over the weekend denouncing Sall’s initial election delay announcement. Leading to arrest of opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Aminata Toure. She has since been released according to reports by BBC.
