Senegal’s presidential election is delayed amid unrest

In Senegal, a delayed presidential election is causing concern for the future of its democracy. The delay was ratified in parliament amidst scenes of chaos — scenes that were mirrored on the streets.

SACHA PFEIFFER, HOST:

Senegal is seen as one of the most stable democracies in West Africa, a part of the continent that frequently sees coups and political unrest. That stability was shaken this weekend when the country’s president announced a delay in this month’s elections. That delay was ratified in Parliament last night amid scenes of chaos. Ayen Deng Bior reports from Dakar.

AYEN DENG BIOR, BYLINE: This is what it sounds like when the rule of law is challenged.

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BIOR: Chaotic scene in Senegal’s National Assembly last night. Security officers in bulletproof jackets and helmets marched into the National Assembly and removed opposition members of Parliament, preventing them from casting a vote that would postpone the presidential elections.

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BIOR: It all started unraveling days before with a surprise address to the nation from President Macky Sall.

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PRESIDENT MACKY SALL: (Non-English language spoken).

BIOR: “The elections, which were due to take place on February 25, are postponed indefinitely,” he told the country. Sall blamed the decision on discrepancies in the final candidate list and corruption, claiming he wanted to engage in a national dialogue to create conditions for a free and fair election. But that’s not how the street reacted. Hundreds of people clashed with police over the weekend, furious with Sall’s decision. Heavily militarized police fired tear gas into the crowds. By Monday, the government had shut down the cellular data in some parts of the country and closed a private TV station. Dozens of police in riot gear were stationed around the capital, with a large concentration outside the National Assembly.

UNIDENTIFIED CROWD: (Singing in…