Senegal’s Presidential Poll Set for This Sunday After Delays and Uncertainty

Senegal is set to vote in a presidential race that has sparked political tensions and tested one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. The election follows President Macky Sall’s unsuccessful attempt to delay the Feb. 25 vote until the end of the year, sparking violent protests. Top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was released from prison last week, triggering celebrations and renewed excitement. The race is Senegal’s fourth democratic transfer of power since it gained independence from France in 1960. The country is viewed as a pillar of stability in a region that has seen dozens of coups and attempted coups in recent years.

There are 19 candidates in the race, the highest number in Senegal’s history. Unemployment is the chief concern for a majority of young Senegalese, with around half of the population under 18. The election is expected to be a runoff between leading candidates.

Amadou Ba and Bassirou Diomaye Faye are likely to emerge as front-runners. Sonko was disqualified from the ballot in January due to a prior conviction for defamation, and his supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy.