Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-22 09:36:00
The upcoming presidential election in Senegal is poised to be a significant event, with over 7 million registered voters expected to participate in choosing the country’s new leader. The electorate is almost evenly split between men and women, indicating a broad representation of the population in the democratic process.
Eighteen candidates from diverse backgrounds, including former prime ministers, ministers, businessmen, and even a woman, are vying for the presidency. The recent decision of Cheikh Tidiane Dieye to withdraw his candidacy in favor of Bassirou Diomaye Faye highlights the strategic maneuvering among candidates to consolidate opposition votes and enhance their chances of success.
Former candidate Rose Wardini has also thrown her support behind Amadou Ba, who has garnered endorsements from key figures within the political landscape. The disqualification of Karim Wade, a prominent figure, from the race has further reshaped the dynamics of the election.
The electoral process is being overseen by the Directorate General for Elections in collaboration with the Autonomous National Electoral Commission, signaling a commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the voting process. The inclusion of polling stations both domestically and abroad, including in neighboring countries like The Gambia, reflects the efforts to facilitate participation among the Senegalese diaspora.
In Senegal, the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates mandate Senegalese citizenship, a minimum age of 35, and a clean criminal record. The election follows a majoritarian system with the possibility of two rounds of voting. A candidate must secure over 50 percent of the vote to win outright; otherwise, a runoff election will be held between the top two candidates.
The electoral law stipulates strict timelines for the tabulation and publication of results, emphasizing the importance of timely and transparent reporting. The outgoing president, Macky Sall, is set to leave office in early April, adding to the significance of the upcoming election in shaping the country’s future trajectory.
Overall, the presidential election in Senegal represents a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey, with a diverse field of candidates and high voter turnout expected to shape the political landscape for years to come. It is a testament to the vibrancy of democracy in Senegal and the commitment of its citizens to participate in the governance of their country.
Read the original article on The Standard
