Senegal’s Wade in U-Turn, to Run Again

Jean-Matthew Tamba

20 July 2011

President Abdoulaye Wade has rescinded on his decision not to run for next year’s polls and challenged opposition to agree on holding elections in 60 days.

“I can organise a presidential election ahead of schedule in order to preserve a peaceful social climate and unity. The Constitution allows me to do that and I am ready to do so if the opposition is in a hurry and believes that it controls the majority of the electorate,” Wade said. The ageing leader made the statements at the weekend in a televised national address after weeks of silence in the wake of violent protests last month.

During the hour-long broadcast, President Wade, in his usual humility even though nervous, pledged to share power with the opposition. “But that should be seen as a facility, a show of good faith and openness but not an obligation on my part,” he said.

Warns protesters

“I am therefore looking forward to hearing from you (the opposition) in spite of the fact that I still agree that the polls be held on February 26, 2012,” he said, adding: “Even though I had said that I will not run for re-election, I also have the right to rescind on that decision.” He warned troublemakers against any further attempts to “de-stabilise” the country, saying, “I have given a firm directive to the security forces on the matter and urged them to stay within the ambits of the law”.

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