But amid an international backsliding in democratic norms, including in countries with a longer history of democracy like India, Senegal’s election last week was a major win for democracy.
He declined to seek a third term following years of speculation that he would do so despite a constitutional two-term limit.
Sall’s allies in the National Assembly approved the measure, but only after security forces removed opposition politicians, who vociferously protested the delay.
The future of Senegal’s democracy seemed uncertain at best.
And they have high expectations not only for their economic future but also for their civil rights and autonomy.
To be sure, those elections were not without challenges, but on the whole, they provide an important counterweight to democratic backsliding.
Senegalese people, especially the younger generation, have high expectations for what democracy can and should deliver for them. »
