Opposition Bundnis demands fair Wahlen! – Nachrichten AG

Political tensions are escalating in Senegal as the Alliance for Electoral Transparency (ATEL) has announced a major demonstration planned for September 27, 2024. This protest aims to put pressure on the government to guarantee free and fair parliamentary elections, scheduled for November. The announcement follows President Basiru Diomai Faye’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, a move seen as a tactic to avoid a possible vote of no confidence amid growing opposition discontent. The opposition coalition, which recently expanded to about forty parties under the ‘Bloc of Liberals and Democrats’, is demanding greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The political environment has become increasingly tense, highlighted by the government’s refusal to negotiate with opposition figures and an official decree dismissing key leaders of the advisory councils. Furthermore, former President Macky Sall’s involvement in the current political landscape complicates matters, as his party still has significant parliamentary influence. The implications of these events could be significant, potentially leading to continued friction between the ruling party and the opposition if the latter manages to win a parliamentary majority in the upcoming elections. Opposition leaders openly criticize the government’s actions as threats to democracy, underscoring the prevailing distrust between the rival factions.