Threat to his candidacy, Barthélemy Dias, head of the list

The Samm Sa Kaddu opposition coalition, which brings together several influential parties in Senegal, has designated Barthélemy Dias, mayor of Dakar, as head of the list for the next legislative elections. This alliance brings together major political forces such as Taxawu Senegal of Khalifa Sall, the Unity and Rally Party (PUR) led by Serigne Moustapha Sy, the Republican Party for Progress (PRP) of Déthié Fall, Gëm Sa Bopp of Bougane Gueye Dany, as well as the “Servants” movement of Pape Djibril Fall. Other important figures such as Anta Babacar Ngom with the Alliance for the Republic and Citizenship (ARC) and Thierno Bocoum with AGIR also join this vast coalition.

In a tense electoral context, Barthélemy Dias will face Ousmane Sonko, who leads the Pastef party list, after their political breakup before the 2024 presidential election. Dias and Sonko, formerly allies during the local and legislative elections of 2022, now find themselves in competition direct, a duel which promises to be decisive for the political future of the country.

However, a shadow hangs over Dias’ candidacy. Convicted in the Ndiaga Diouf affair, he could be declared ineligible by the Constitutional Council. This uncertainty results from the possibility of removal from the electoral list due to his final conviction for murder, according to information shared by Daouda Mine, legal columnist for the TFM channel. The fate of Barthélemy Dias will therefore depend on a possible initiative from the Minister of Justice, past or present, to initiate the removal procedure.