In Senegal, the race for sponsorships for the 2024 presidential election is in full swing, but recent events mark a worrying escalation. Several opposition candidates were arrested by the police during their travels, sparking disapproval from campaign teams and civil society.
Among the candidates targeted by these arrests is Khalifa Sall, whose campaign team was arrested for more than five hours on Saturday. The police justified this decision by citing the fact that their caravan of vehicles was not authorized. However, those close to Khalifa Sall denounce an abusive decision, affirming that they respected all the rules in force and that they simply went to a village to collect sponsorships.
This is not the only case of opposition harassment. During the same period, another candidate, Malick Gakou of the big party, was also arrested by the police. These incidents have aroused the indignation of many observers, who denounce unequal treatment between opposition candidates and Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who is also campaigning but benefits from greater freedom of movement.
According to Alioune Tine, from the Afrikajom think-tank, this situation could create tensions and protests if it persists. If Prime Minister Amadou Ba continues to hold office while campaigning, this could be seen as unequal treatment and cause problems during the presidential election. Some therefore believe that to guarantee a fair election, Amadou Ba should resign from his post as Prime Minister in order to lead his campaign on an equal footing with the other candidates.
These incidents highlight the challenges opposition candidates face when collecting sponsorships. While the sponsorship process aims to guarantee the accession of candidates supported by part of the population, it seems that certain obstacles are put in place to slow down opposition candidates and favor the candidate supported by the ruling coalition.
Beyond the 2024 presidential election, these arrests and the alleged harassment of opposition candidates raise broader questions about the state of democracy in Senegal. Freedom of movement and respect for the rights of candidates must be guaranteed in the electoral process in order to preserve the integrity of the vote and the confidence of voters.
It is therefore imperative that the authorities take measures to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, so that the 2024 presidential election takes place with respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights.. The Senegalese deserve a transparent and fair electoral competition, where every vote counts and where all candidates have an equal chance to put forward their ideas and proposals for the future of the country.