All eyes on Senegal presidential election

All eyes are fixed on Senegal as the country gears up to hold its presidential elections this Saturday. With only a short campaign period of two weeks, the 19 candidates vying for the presidency have faced challenges in rallying support. George Ajjan, a Political Strategist at Ajjan Associates, shared his insights on the upcoming election and the dynamics at play. The short campaign period has raised concerns among analysts and candidates alike. Ajjan expressed his astonishment at the timeline of the election, highlighting the challenges of conducting a robust campaign in such a short span of time. Despite the limited timeframe, main opposition candidate Ousmane Sonko, who was recently released from jail, has been actively campaigning alongside his running mate, Bassirou Faye. Sonko's promises to tackle corruption and introduce a new currency have resonated with the young Senegalese population, who are seeking an alternative to the current government. The race is expected to be closely contested, with the possibility of a runoff between the top two candidates. The outcome of the election will largely depend on which candidates make it to the final round. The collaboration among opposition parties in opposing the initial postponement of the election indicated a united front against the ruling coalition. While Sonko appears to be the frontrunner, other candidates like Zakaria Khalifa Saleh and Idrissa Seck are also significant players in the race. The contest is shaping up to be a battle between establishment figures and opposition leaders, with the potential for unexpected outcomes. Senegal's commitment to democracy was tested when President Macky Sall attempted to delay the election, prompting widespread pushback from the opposition and civil society. The resilience of Senegal's democratic institutions was evident as the decision to postpone the election was ultimately reversed. Despite the challenges, Senegal has maintained its reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Looking at the broader context of democracy in Africa, Ajjan remains optimistic about the continent's progress. While acknowledging the existing flaws and challenges, he believes that African democracy is evolving and becoming more competitive. The trend towards democratic governance is promising, although concerns remain about external influences and the threat of coups in some regions. As Senegal prepares for a pivotal election, the outcome will not only shape the country's future but also serve as a test of democracy in Africa. With the world watching closely, the people of Senegal have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and determine the path forward for their nation.