Senegal Law Enables PM Sonko's Presidential Candidacy
The Senegalese Parliament approved a bill on Tuesday that enables Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to participate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for February 2024. This legislative change addresses Sonko's previous defamation conviction, which had barred him from running.
The amendment to Articles 29 and 30 of Senegal's electoral code stipulates that individuals convicted of defamation are no longer ineligible to run for office. Sonko, a popular figure among young voters and leader of the PASTEF party, was sentenced in May 2023 to a six-month suspended jail term and ordered to pay damages of 200 million CFA francs (approximately $356,000).
The Supreme Court upheld this conviction just a week prior to the bill's passage. Sonko's legal team argues that an amnesty law passed in March 2024 could annul his defamation conviction.
The political landscape remains tense, with Sonko's party contesting against the FDR opposition coalition, which includes allies of former President Macky Sall.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Punch Newspapers. Read the original report below.
Read full article
Continue on Punch Newspapers
Get the week in one email
Top stories, NPFL results, the naira — every Friday morning. Free, one email a week.
Related Stories
Senegal President Dismisses Prime Minister Amid Tensions
Senegal's President Macky Sall Sacks Prime Minister Sonko
Timi Frank Backs Sonko, Accuses President Fay of Betrayal
Senegal President Signs Law Doubling Same-Sex Penalties
Saraki Denies 2027 Presidential Ambitions, Supports South
Sowore Declares Candidacy for 2027 Presidential Election
Get Plus234Feed on messaging apps
Same headlines, delivered where you already scroll.
