SENEGAL
Senegal distinguishes itself from the rest of the region as the most stable democracy not only West Africa but across the Islamic world. However, this stability was recently challenged through a presidential election postponement, a policy that shocked the nation. Fortunately, the election was held with no further issues.
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Editor’s Note
As a Senegalese woman, it is hard to talk about Senegalese election policy without sounding condescending. We held on to the title of the most democratic nation in West Africa with the tenacity of a pageant queen clutching her sash. Sure, we had some hiccups along the way, but democracy always came out on top. Until 2024. The postponement of the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election was shocking locally, regionally, and internationally. It was chaos. If even Senegal couldn’t keep its democracy, there was no hope for West Africa! The policy was so outrageous that it prompted me to write a 34-page paper about a half-page decree. Happily, Senegal was able to hold its elections in a feasible time without further issues. However, more than anything, this policy was humbling. It showed that even the strongest democracies are susceptible to manipulation. Fighting for fair elections is an ongoing job, and we, as citizens and voters, must hold our politicians and policymakers accountable.
