(Bloomberg) — Senegal lawmakers agreed to delay presidential elections in one of Africa’s strongest democracies, raising tensions that risk destabilizing the emerging natural gas producer in a region that’s prone to military coups.
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The ballot was rescheduled to Dec. 15 from Feb. 25 after a parliamentary vote marred by opposition lawmakers being ejected from the chambers after they tried to block proceedings. Police fired tear gas at protesters outside the legislature and arrested several others on the streets of the capital, Dakar.
The decision means President Macky Sall, whose second and final term had been set to end on April 2, will remain in office until a successor takes power. Sall had called for the delay to allow for an inquiry into how the nation’s Constitutional Council determined which candidates qualified to run, after disqualified opposition leader Karim Wade accused two of its judges of corruption.
Senegal’s bonds sank — the yield on its 10-year debt jumped 67 basis points to 9.06% on Monday — on concern that delaying the vote may impede efforts to improve government finances. It’s the first time an election has been postponed in Senegal, which has had largely peaceful transfers of power since it gained independence from France in 1960.
The increased political tensions in the country pose a threat to economic activity and the International Monetary Fund is watching developments “with concern,” Abebe Selassie, the head of the Washington-based lender’s Africa department, said on a virtual media roundtable on Monday. The West African nation, which in 2023 secured a $1.8 billion loan from the IMF, is forecast to growth 8.8% this year.
“Political uncertainty can be detrimental to economic activity,” Selassie said. “We must think beyond the IMF program and about making sure that Senegal passes through this political difficult, difficult period of political tension successfully.”
Monday’s vote by lawmakers took place after military police escorted some opposition members trying to push for a debate out of the plenary, a standoff that held up proceedings for almost two hours. Earlier in the day, police fired tear gas at protesters who had gathered outside the National Assembly to object the postponement.
Protesters and security forces also clashed along a main thoroughfare in Dakar, disrupting traffic. Mobile internet access was restricted to prevent “threats and disturbances to public order,” the Communications Ministry said.
Senegal is on the cusp of becoming a major natural-gas producer. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development, which straddles the border between Senegal and Mauritania and is being developed by BP Plc and Kosmos Energy Ltd., is expected to start production this year.
–With assistance from Momar Niang and Alister Bull.
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