Karim Wade, the exiled son of former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and a prominent opposition figure, has taken a significant step towards contesting in Senegal’s upcoming presidential election. Despite the legal challenges stemming from his past conviction, Wade has been able to fulfill key requirements for his candidacy.
Wade, aged 55, made this move by depositing 30 million FCFA (approximately 45,000 euros) with the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), as reported by the Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS)’s communications manager, Nafissatou Diallo. This deposit is an essential step towards formalizing his intention to participate in the election scheduled for February 25. The PDS has long endorsed Wade as its candidate, but his eligibility had been in question due to a past conviction for illicit enrichment in 2015. He served over three years in prison before receiving a pardon from President Macky Sall in 2016 and has since lived in exile, with Qatar being a commonly cited residence.
Senegal’s President Macky Sall, pictured here at an African Union summit in February 2023, has said he will not run for a third term in next year’s presidential election. © Tiksa Negeri, Reuters file photo
His 2015 conviction had barred him from participating in the 2019 presidential election, which saw the re-election of Macky Sall. However, a recent legislative change in August, following a political dialogue initiated by President Sall, restored the eligibility of Wade and another opposition figure, former Dakar mayor Khalifa Sall (not related to the president), to run for office. Khalifa Sall also received a presidential pardon after being convicted of fraud and forgery in 2018.
Karim Wade’s candidacy is set to bring a new dynamic to Senegal’s political landscape, marked by a history of competitive elections. His return to the political scene has sparked discussions among citizens about his vision, policies, and the potential impact on governance. The legal implications of his past conviction and his ability to return to the country remain pertinent issues.
With more than 200 candidates declared for the presidential election, the political atmosphere in Senegal is becoming increasingly vibrant as the election approaches. Observers are closely watching the unfolding events, particularly how they relate to the adherence to democratic processes and the eligibility of candidates like Wade.
