Sources close to the presidency have revealed that the Senegalese government is set to drop its appeal against a court ruling that reinstated opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on the electoral roll.
This move is expected to occur during a scheduled Supreme Court hearing on Thursday, potentially signaling a significant shift in Sonko’s legal battle.
The Dakar High Court had previously ordered Sonko’s reinstatement on the electoral roll in mid-December, overturning his removal following a conviction for sexual misconduct. The court invalidated the conviction, citing that it was delivered while Sonko was still at large, thus necessitating a retrial under the criminal code.
Sonko’s possible return to the electoral roll raises hopes among his supporters, as it could restore his electoral rights. However, uncertainties persist regarding the impact of this decision on the upcoming 2024 presidential election, particularly given Sonko’s controversial legal status.
Earlier, the Constitutional Council had excluded Sonko from the list of presidential candidates due to a separate defamation conviction, further complicating his political prospects.
As campaigning for the March 24 election gains momentum, Sonko’s absence has sparked turmoil and reshaped the political landscape.
In a surprising turn of events, Sonko has endorsed his deputy, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is also incarcerated.
Senegal braces for pivotal legal proceedings and political uncertainty as the fate of Ousmane Sonko continues to command national attention.