Senegal is gearing up for a crucial presidential election on March 24, with 19 candidates vying for the position to replace outgoing President Macky Sall. The election, initially slated for February, faced delays due to protests and concerns about democracy. Now, with less than two weeks left before the vote, candidates are racing to sway voters during the holy month of Ramadan, typically a period of spiritual reflection.
Among the prominent candidates are:
Bassirou Diomaye Faye: A 49-year-old tax inspector and candidate of an opposition coalition, including members of the dissolved PASTEF party led by Ousmane Sonko. Faye seeks to capitalize on Sonko's popularity, especially among Senegal's unemployed youth, despite facing preventive detention since April.
Khalifa Sall: A two-time mayor of Dakar, Khalifa Sall, not related to the current president, was jailed on charges of fraud but later freed following a presidential pardon. His campaign focuses on sustainable development, with plans for responsible water management and equitable land distribution.
Idrissa Seck: Formerly head of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, Seck finished second in the 2019 presidential election. He fell out with President Sall after opposing a potential third term and advocating for Ousmane Sonko's candidacy.
Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne: A former prime minister and chief of the Central Bank of West African States, Dionne emphasizes reconciliation and economic sovereignty for Senegal.
Anta Babacar Ngom: The only female candidate, Ngom, 40, runs Senegal's largest poultry company. She aims to boost the private sector, implement free healthcare, and reform the education system.
These candidates represent diverse backgrounds and political ideologies, reflecting Senegal's complex political landscape. With each candidate offering different visions for the country's future, voters face a critical decision that will shape Senegal's trajectory in the coming years.