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In Senegal, some 6.6 million voters are called to the polls this Sunday, January 23, for the municipal and departmental elections. Offices opened at 8:00 a.m. Universal Time, sometimes with delays due to installation. Beyond local issues, it is a test for the majority and the various opposition coalitions in the running, before the legislative elections scheduled for this year and the presidential election of 2024.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
He arrived first this Sunday morning to vote at the elementary school “Ouakam Camp”. For Babacar Ndiaye, it’s an important day: ” I got here around twenty to six. It’s better, because with the queues it’s going to take time… Now we know who to vote for mayor… »
This voter lists his priorities for future elected officials: “ First of all, the living environment, sanitation, drinking water, among others… The opening up of many areas and the health structures too, is a lack. »
The gendarmes monitor the process. After clashes during the campaign, Boucar Ndior hopes above all that the elections will be peaceful: “ What I want is for Senegal to work well, in agreement. Provided that it happens in peace. »
► Read also : local election issues in Senegal
One of the issues concerns the youth vote. This 19-year-old voter is taking part in an election for the first time: “ Today, I took my initiatives to be part of those who decide the future of our commune. The youth, it’s the future and therefore, it’s more important to vote rather than wait, to be able to say what’s on your mind. »
Ziguinchor, in Casamance, another national issue
It is in the Casamance metropolis that the national figure of the opposition, Ousmane Sonko, has chosen to present himself once morest the outgoing mayor Abdoulaye Baldé and Benoit Sambou, the candidate of the APR, the party of President Macky Sall.
Ziguinchor, another national issue in these Senegalese elections, where our special correspondent, Thea Olivier
At midday, the queues in front of the polling stations where I went were always full. It was pretty quiet. Where I was, at the Santhiab dispensary, voters were patiently waiting their turn, in the shade of the mango trees, in front of three polling stations. They then came out with the finger tinted pink…
There are many local expectations, but the subjects that come up most often are employment, sanitation and public lighting in the city.
The three main candidates voted in the morning. All say they are confident for their victory. The results might thus be tight.
At the exit of the vote, the opposition candidate, Ousmane Sonko, repeated suspicions of fraud. He denounces that the sympathizers of his coalition might not recover their voter card in time, because of the authorities. These accusations were denied by his competitor, Benoit Sambou, of the majority coalition Benno Bokk Yakaar.
Abdoulaye Baldé, he – the outgoing mayor – did not notice any anomalies. He speaks of provocation to prolong the debate. It must be said that the battle is tough, because the national stakes are high.
For Ousmane Sonko, this election is a test for his popularity rating and for his local roots between now and the next legislative elections in June or presidential elections in 2024.
Closing of the offices is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
