Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, does not envisage a presidential election in 2024 without his participation. He said that the election cannot take place without him, or it would be held in « indescribable chaos ».  He believes that Macky Sall does not deserve credit for respecting the Constitution.

A presidential election in 2024 without Ousmane Sonko has never been an option for the « Patriot » in chief. And if that were to happen, the calm that once surrounded this democratic exercise would be lacking. This is what the leader of the Pastef party made clear to the international community. In an interview on the France 24 television channel yesterday, Ousmane Sonko said: « Macky Sall has told some people that he will prevent my candidacy, come what may, because he is the Republic, the Constitutional Council and the Justice; it is up to him to say who will be a candidate or not. There will be no election or it will be in indescribable chaos if, through judicial tricks, he wants to prevent my candidacy. » « We wish him well as he completes his term of office and leaves with his family. That’s all the bad news we wish him. He must know that he did not inherit Senegal from his parents », said Mr Sonko.

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For the leader of the Pastef party and member of the Yewwi askan wi (Yaw) opposition coalition, his eligibility is not up for debate, despite the fact that he was given a suspended 6-month prison sentence for defamation and a 2-year prison sentence for youth corruption.

Articles L29, L30 and L57 prohibit anyone who has been convicted of a crime, among other things, from being registered on the electoral roll.

Despite this threat to the success of the 2024 Presidential election in Senegal, the chief « Patriot » seems to be open to dialogue, but with conditions. « We are patriots. We are ready to do anything that can bring peace to this country. But we will never follow a certain logic, because President Macky Sall thinks that, in order to discuss, you first have to submit (to him) through remote-controlled court rulings and police violence. We are dignified and proud. « You don’t discuss things with a knife to your throat. If Macky thinks he can use the remaining 7 months of his mandate to persecute Ousmane Sonko, he is mistaken. We will resist as we have always done », declared the radical opponent.

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In addition, Ousmane Sonko did not miss the opportunity to comment on the announcement of Macky Sall’s non-candidacy in 2024. « The announcement of his non-candidacy has settled absolutely nothing in this country. The Senegalese people want an inclusive and transparent election. We don’t have to negotiate that (…) There is nothing to congratulate or exceptional about respect for the Constitution. The delay in making this announcement has caused Senegal a great deal of damage. He backed down, because he was under pressure, particularly from international complaints », said Ousmane Sonko.

By Malick GAYE / mgaye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH