Senegal at the brink
February 26, 2007
By AP
DAKAR, Senegal — The president of one of Africa’s most stable democracies sought another five-year term yesterday, jostling with 14 contenders in a race that may hinge on the votes of young people hungry for jobs.
President Abdoulaye Wade has presided over an era of peace rare in a tumultuous part of the continent, and the economy, though struggling by western standards, is stronger than in many African countries. Still, thousands of desperate youth have already voted with their feet, risking their lives to slip illegally into Europe by sea.
The median age in this country of 12 million is about 19 years, according to U.S. government statistics, compared with over 36 years in the United States. About half of Senegal’s workforce is unemployed.
Wade, 80, sounded confident as he cast his ballot in a dusty polling booth in this seaside capital. "I will win, there is no question about it," he said. "It’s evident that the youth have voted for me."
Among the top challengers are two of Wade’s former prime ministers: Moustapha Niasse, a former UN envoy, and Idrissa Seck, jailed by the government for seven months on embezzlement charges that were never proved.
To avoid a runoff, the top candidate needs to win more than 50% of the ballot. Though Wade is considered the favourite, the crowded field of challengers could splinter the vote and force a runoff.
When Wade’s black-tinted Hummer pulled up at the polling station, it was mobbed by supporters chanting "gorgui," a respectful Wolof word meaning "old man."
Each of the candidates appeared as a grainy photograph on 15 separate pieces of paper.
Comments
Got something to say?
