Senegal’s electoral dynamics experienced a significant twist as Ousmane Sonko, embroiled in a prolonged legal battle, was initially removed from the electoral roll after being sentenced to a two-year imprisonment in June for morally corrupting a young person. This development, which had intensified a longstanding standoff with the state, led to several episodes of deadly unrest spanning over two years.
In a noteworthy reversal, the judge in the capital city of Dakar ordered Sonko’s reinstatement, affirming a ruling made in October by a court in Ziguinchor, where Sonko serves as the mayor. Despite a previous disagreement by the West African nation’s top court with the regional court ruling, it directed Sonko’s case back to the Dakar court.
The court’s decision grants Sonko a window until December 26 to formally present his candidacy for the upcoming February poll and secure the necessary sponsorships. Supporters of Sonko, particularly popular among the under-20 demographic constituting half the population, expressed jubilation in court on Thursday, chanting his name in response to the ruling.
Cire Cledor Ly, one of Sonko’s lawyers, explained that while the state could potentially appeal to the Supreme Court, such an action would not impede the immediate implementation of Thursday’s decision. He emphasized the clarity of the electoral code, stating, “When the judge gives his decision, this decision must be immediately carried out.”
Sonko, aged 49, had been convicted in absentia on June 1 for morally corrupting a young person, and he received a two-year prison sentence. He consistently denounced the trial as a conspiracy to exclude him from the presidential election. Subsequently, in late July, he faced additional charges, including fomenting insurrection, criminal association with a terrorist body, and endangering state security. Periodic hunger strikes have marked his response to these legal challenges.
Ref: AFP
