Vote Clears Way For Opposition Figures To Run In Senegal Polls

Some Lawmakers in Senegal’s parliament have passed a vote which will effectively restores the right of two key opposition figures to run in the country’s presidential election, due in February.

The vote, which clears any person who has been convicted but then either pardons or amnesties them to run for office, will allow opposition heavyweights Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade to stand.

In parliament the proposal was passed by 124 votes to one and Interior Minister Antoine Félix Abdoulaye Diome, said there were other advantages resulting from the national dialogue.”

Sall, a former mayor of Dakar and Wade, son of former president Abdoulaye Wade, have been considered for the presidential vote, due next year.

Neither could run in the 2019 presidential election because of separate convictions on financial issues. But they may now be able to stand in next February’s poll.

Member of the presidential majority, Yeya Diallo, praised the president’s efforts in bringing about the bill adding that the bill will seek to revise the electoral code.

Member of Khalifa Sall’s party, MP and member of Taxawou Sénégal,  Babacar Abba Mbaye said it was an important step forward.

Many observers hope Saturday’s parliamentary vote will help ease the tension being experienced in the country in recent months, as opposition figures have frequently complained of moves against them ahead of the presidential vote next year.