Senegal Presidential Election Postponement Sparks Protests

Senegalese police arrested and used tear gas on opposition supporters protesting President Sall's decision to postpone the Feb. 25 elections. The postponement followed a dispute regarding the candidate list, which some critics have labeled an 'institutional coup.' Former Prime Minister Aminata Touré and other presidential candidates were among those arrested. Demonstrations have caused concern in light of Senegal's history of political violence and the postponement's potential to undermine the country's democratic reputation. International organizations, including ECOWAS and the French foreign ministry, have called for clarity on when a new election date will be set.