Three Senegalese opposition MPs have been arrested following parliament’s decision to postpone the presidential election by 10 months.
El Malick Ndiaye, spokesperson for the dissolved opposition party Pastef, informed Reuters news agency that the three lawmakers from the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi were arrested on Tuesday.
The decision to delay the election until December was approved by lawmakers on Monday, extending President Macky Sall’s mandate.
During heated debates, most opposition MPs were forcibly removed from the chamber.
The postponement has triggered widespread protests and raised international concerns about Senegal’s democracy, which is considered one of the most stable in the region.
The US Department of State issued a statement expressing concern, stating that the move contradicts Senegal’s strong democratic tradition.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on politicians to promptly establish an electoral calendar in accordance with the constitution.