Democracy on hold? Senegal opposition outraged over plan to delay election
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Protests, riots and a crackdown have erupted in Senegal after the term-limited outgoing president, Macky Sall, suddenly announced a six-month election delay, this on the very day the official campaign to pick his successor was due to start.
We ask about his justification and whether the same leader who drew worldwide praise last July for resisting the temptation to try to outstay his two terms in power is now attempting – as the opposition claims – a thinly-disguised electoral coup.
It took street protests to force Sall's predecessor, Abdoulaye Wade, to respect the constitution and step down in 2012. What will the outcome be this time? And what will the response be from Senegal’s neighbours?
ECOWAS already has its plate full with coup leaders in nearby Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, who have announced they would quit the regional bloc rather than bend to a roadmap for a return to civilian rule. Why do all these governance issues seem to be coming to a head at the same time?
Produced by Andrew Hilliar, Josephine Joly and Imen Mellaz.
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