By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In defiance of the postponed presidential election in Senegal, candidates participated in a symbolic vote organized by a civil society group on Sunday. The election, originally scheduled for that day, faced a postponement that triggered protests and raised concerns about the country’s democratic processes.

Presidential candidates expressed their discontent by casting symbolic ballots, slipping them into a box labeled “RIP 25 February.” The act was a powerful message against what they perceived as an infringement on their freedom, democracy, and the right to elect their leaders. Former Dakar Mayor and presidential candidate Khalifa Sall highlighted the significance of safeguarding these democratic principles.

“We cannot accept, with the stroke of a pen, being deprived of what is essential to us, that is to say, our freedom and democracy, and above all our ability to elect our leaders,” stated Khalifa Sall.

Despite a ban on demonstrations, some young Senegalese protesters took to the streets of Dakar to voice their opposition to the postponement. Protester Ibrahim Deme expressed his dismay at the situation, emphasizing that the postponement had undermined their rights and led to an uncertain political process.

Senegalese President Macky Sall announced the postponement of the vote on February 3, citing reasons that were met with opposition from political leaders. The move resulted in violent clashes between opposition groups and security forces, leading to arrests and mobile internet disruptions, escalating political tensions in one of Africa’s traditionally stable democracies.

This year’s election has been marked by controversies, including deadly protests that prompted President Sall to declare he would not seek a third term. The disqualification of two opposition leaders further fueled concerns and heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the postponed election date. The symbolic vote and continued protests underscore the challenges faced by Senegal in navigating its democratic processes amid a backdrop of contentious issues.