Despite publicly announcing to the nation of Senegal that he would not seek a third term in office, President Macky Sall is expected to extend his tenure beyond his second and final term, which ends in April, as per the Senegalese constitution. The National Assembly of Senegal voted in favor of a new bill on Monday, postponing elections until December 15, 2023. 

The bill, supported by at least 105 parliamentarians against one vote, has sparked tensions both within and outside the parliament, with opposition members protesting against it.

President Sall proposed the bill, citing a dispute over the presidential candidate list and allegations of corruption involving constitutional judges. Since the proposal was made, Senegal has been embroiled in turmoil, with protests erupting across the country. Prominent politicians, including former Prime Minister Madam Aminata Tours, have been arrested on a regular basis.

Recently, internet services were restored after the government shut them down along with private television channels. The African Union and the United Nations have urged Senegal to resolve the issue through consensus and in line with the country’s longstanding tradition of democratic governance. ECOWAS has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of peace through dialogue.

Senegal has earned praise for its role as a beacon of peace and democracy in the Eastern African region. It remains one of the few countries in the region that is not under military rule.