This Tuesday marks the tenth day of the campaign for early legislative elections in Senegal. The coalitions continue to crisscross the country, but with a more moderate dynamism, impacted by tragic events and tributes to the disappeared.
A serious accident mourned Pastef’s electoral campaign in Mbacké. While the departmental caravan was heading towards Darou Nahim, a young activist lost his life in an accident involving the convoy, also injuring 14 other people, six of them seriously. Mbaye Seck, coordinator of the Electoral Committee of the commune of Mbacké, announced the immediate suspension of campaign activities for the day, in order to respect the memory of the deceased young man.
The death of former Finance Minister Mouhamadou Moustapha Ba also affected the momentum of some coalitions. The Takku Wallu Senegal coalition, as a sign of respect, suspended its campaign for 24 hours and expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased, President Macky Sall and the Senegalese nation. Mamadou Racine SY, leader of the And Liggey Senegal ak Racine (ALSAR) movement, also suspended his coalition’s activities for the day, paying tribute to the former minister.
Pastef’s national caravan continues its tour despite everything, having left Ourossogui to join the stages of Nguidjilone and Ranérou, with a large meeting planned at the Matam regional stadium, highlighting the fervor of their supporters in the north-east of the country.
The Samm Sunu Rew coalition focused its efforts in the suburbs of Dakar, with a visit to Keur Massar, where the delegation met Ms. Astou Samb, a member of the list and president of local street vendors. This visit coincided with a day of eviction, providing traders with the opportunity to share the challenges they face. The caravan also visited Malika Montagne, where Modou Gueye, department coordinator, relayed the craftsmen’s demands for better working conditions.
The Dekkal Téranga coalition left Touba to join Linguère and Dara, although the Ranérou stage was canceled. For its part, the Federation of Renewal (FDR), with Professor Diégane Sène, visited several localities in the Fatick region, including Diouroup, Ndiondor, Palmarin and Tataguine. The Action coalition headed to Saint-Louis to meet the populations, while the Gokh Yu Bess coalition chose Camberène to exchange with its activists.
Ousmane Kane, head of the list of the RV Naataangue coalition, led a series of visits to Diéry, in particular to the department of Kanel, where he met the populations of several villages, thus strengthening ties with his supporters. The Senegaal Kese coalition also maintained a busy schedule, visiting the localities of Ourossogui, Kanel, Sinthiou Bamambé, Amady Hounaré and Matam.
Cheikh Issa Sall and the Unity coalition organized a meeting in Mbacké, bringing together activists and local officials to mobilize voters.
Although marked by tributes and temporary suspensions, the electoral campaign continues with a variety of meetings, large rallies and local visits throughout Senegal. Ten days into the campaign, the commitment of the different coalitions remains strong, between promoting programs and listening to local concerns, despite the tragedies that mark this electoral period.
