What to know about Senegal’s wide-open elections
Washington PostMAR 2024
Senegal: Ruling Coalition Concedes Defeat
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The Spin
Narrative A
That the Senegalese people were allowed to elect an opposition leader who was imprisoned just days before the election is an impressive surprise, especially after all attempts from Sall to cling to power beyond his constitutional term — including postponing the vote. His victory is also a triumph for the country and its democratic system.
Narrative B
Despite the opposition spreading baseless allegations of potential electoral fraud in favor of the ruling coalition, Senegal has demonstrated once again that it remains one of the most stable countries in West Africa. Millions went to the polls peacefully, further indicating the maturity of both the Senegalese people and democracy.