Senegalese presidential election, 2012
Encyclopedia
The 2012 Senegalese Presidential Election is scheduled to take place on 26 February 2012. The 26 February date was decreed by the President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade
on 23 November 2010. President Wade has indicated that he will stand for his third term, set at seven years by the constitution. While the 2001 Constitution of Senegal limits a President to two terms, Mr. Wade argues that his 2000 election to his first seven year term falls under the previous constitution, which did not provide for term limits.
After violent protests, Wade dropped plans for two constitutional changes: lowering the percentage of votes required for a first-round victory from 50% to 25% and creating the position of vice-president, also to be elected. Critics had feared that Wade would use this to ensure his reelection against a split opposition, and to make his son vice-president.
Bruno d'Erneville, Amsatou Sow Sidibé and former foreign minister Ibrahim Fall have announced they will run in the election.
Abdoulaye Wade
Abdoulaye Wade is the third and current President of Senegal, in office since 2000. He is also the Secretary-General of the Senegalese Democratic Party and has led the party since it was founded in 1974...
on 23 November 2010. President Wade has indicated that he will stand for his third term, set at seven years by the constitution. While the 2001 Constitution of Senegal limits a President to two terms, Mr. Wade argues that his 2000 election to his first seven year term falls under the previous constitution, which did not provide for term limits.
After violent protests, Wade dropped plans for two constitutional changes: lowering the percentage of votes required for a first-round victory from 50% to 25% and creating the position of vice-president, also to be elected. Critics had feared that Wade would use this to ensure his reelection against a split opposition, and to make his son vice-president.
Bruno d'Erneville, Amsatou Sow Sidibé and former foreign minister Ibrahim Fall have announced they will run in the election.