Senegal’s parliament is meeting to consider the postponement of presidential elections announced by President Macky Sall, a move that has plunged the country into crisis.
Monday’s session is happening after a day of violent street protests in the capital Dakar – during which at least one senior opposition figure was arrested – and growing international concern.
Lawmakers are voting on a proposal to postpone the presidential poll – previously set for February 25 – for up to six months. The text before them will need the support of three-fifths of the 165-seat parliament to pass.
Sall’s announcement of a delay on Saturday has since set off a chain of events in the West African country.
Opposition leaders have used the term “constitutional coup” to describe the current situation, which they say is an assault on democracy.
Sall said he delayed the vote because of a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the rejection of candidates.
Credit: aljazeera.com
