Pre-Election Context: Threats to Senegalese Democratic Landscape
There have been several difficulties in Senegal’s democratic transition, including attempts to change the established electoral schedule. Notably, the nation has faced significant political turmoil first in 2011, when President Abdoulaye Wade sought an unconstitutional third term, and more recently in 2024 under President Macky Sall’s tenure, when he attempted to delay the presidential elections, initially scheduled for February 25, thereby disrupting the nation’s long-standing tradition of holding elections on the last Sunday of February every five years since 1963. Traditionally, Senegal has held presidential elections on the last Sunday of February every five years since 1963, highlighting the country’s respect for democratic processes.

This move came amid escalating political tensions characterized by human rights abuses, restrictions on freedom of expression, and increased government control over administrative processes. These actions sparked a series of political conflicts lasting three years, primarily between the ruling party and significant opposition groups.