(Ecofin Agency) - The presidential election in Senegal initially slated for February 25, 2024, was canceled by President Macky Sall due to disagreements between the parliament and the Constitutional Council, sparking renewed protests since Sunday, February 4.

In Senegal, the National Assembly has approved the postponement of the presidential election to December 15, 2024, according to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS). The vote took place on Monday, February 5, amidst heightened tensions. APS reports that the plenary session occurred in the absence of opposition members, forcefully ejected by the gendarmerie as they attempted to obstruct the proceedings.

These events unfolded after President Macky Sall annulled the presidential election on February 3. Following the publication of the final list of candidates for the election, opposition figure Karim Wade of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), who was disqualified, demanded a parliamentary investigation into judges of the Constitutional Council.

"There are judges among us who have been suspected of corruption... We deemed it necessary to postpone [the election] so that everyone can resolve internal issues, and all disqualified candidates can still rectify this," stated Harouna Gallo Bâ, a member of the presidential majority.

Since Sunday, February 4, violent protests, quelled by law enforcement, have rocked cities across the country, particularly Dakar. No loss of life has been reported. The postponement of the election to December 15, 2024, extends President Macky Sall's term, a factor that could escalate tensions in the country with potential repercussions on the economy.