- Parliament Delays Election for 10 months
- Riot Police Enforces decision
By Isaac Akerele
Senegalese lawmakers have voted to push back the presidential election to December 15th amid chaotic scenes in the parliament.
According to reports, Riot police forcibly removed resisting opposition deputies to allow the controversial measure’s passage.
Previous report told how President Macky Sall had abruptly announced an election delay on Saturday despite the unconstitutional move triggering fierce protests nationwide. Critics blasted the decision as a “coup” to extend his tenure beyond term limits.
After shoving matches between agitated MPs, security forces stormed the legislative chamber to quell any rebellion from opposition ranks. “This is not democratic!” one of the dissenting MPs Guy Marius said
Following the strongarm tactics, 105 out of 165 deputies voted to formally postpone the election. The bill delays the vote from February 25th to December and allows Sall stay in power months beyond when his term expires April 2nd.
Outside the National Assembly, protesters burned tires criticizing Sall’s “power grab” and the “assault on democracy.” Police blanketed Dakar in tear gas as unrest persisted into the night.
Human rights watch implored Senegal’s government to recommit to rights of assembly and speech instead of doubling down on oppression.
“Authorities need to act to prevent violence, rein in abusive security forces, and end their assault on opposition and media. They should respect freedom of speech, expression and assembly, and restore internet, putting Senegal back on its democratic course” it warned
For now the nation anxiously awaits December’s delayed election transfer of power to Sall’s successor. As Senegal’s democracy hangs in the balance after political chaos triggered by a constitutional stand-off this week
