Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    February 25, 2012

Senegal Facing Fears of Post-Election Unrest

   VOA News
   Riot policemen stand in a row to block access to Independence Square
   during an opposition demonstration against Senegal's President
   Abdoulaye Wade's controversial third term bid for presidency in Dakar
   February 24, 2012. Photo: Reuters
   Riot policemen stand in a row to block access to Independence Square
   during an opposition demonstration against Senegal's President
   Abdoulaye Wade's controversial third term bid for presidency in Dakar
   February 24, 2012.

   Senegal is holding a controversial presidential election on Sunday amid
   fears the previously stable west African nation is facing further
   deadly unrest and a potential governmental crisis.
   Incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade is expected to win a third term
   despite a change in Senegal's constitution that limits its leaders to
   two terms in office. It is a change that Mr. Wade himself introduced.
   Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was sent to Senegal as
   part of a joint African Union-ECOWAS observation mission, has
   reportedly suggested Mr. Wade surrender power in two years should he
   win Sunday's vote.
   Previously, the normal period in office for a Senegalese president was
   four years. But the constitutional changes enacted in 2008 extended
   that period to seven years.
   At least six people have been killed in Senegal in protests that broke
   out late last month after the country's highest court ruled Mr. Wade
   was eligible to run again. The opposition M23 movement is vowing to
   continue its protests against any government headed by Mr. Wade.
   The court based its decision on the fact that the two-term limit came
   into effect while Mr. Wade was in office.

   Mr. Wade, who is 85, became Senegal's leader in 2000. The U.S.
   Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnny Carson, who is
   in Senegal to monitor the election, has called Mr. Wade's decision to
   run again "regrettable."

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

.