By Ollus Ndomu
Senegal’s Supreme Court dealt a blow to opposition politician Ousmane Sonko’s presidential aspirations by rejecting his appeal in a defamation conviction, jeopardizing his eligibility for the upcoming elections.
After a marathon 12-hour hearing, state lawyer El Hadji Diouf announced on Friday that the Supreme Court had upheld the six-month suspended sentence against Sonko, confirming the fines, and rendering him “totally banned from taking part in an election.”
Sonko, 49, had submitted his candidacy papers last month while in custody, aiming to participate in the presidential elections slated for February 25. However, the upheld conviction poses a significant hurdle, as Senegalese law prohibits individuals with such convictions from competing in the presidential race.
The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political landscape, stirring debates about the intersection of legal matters and political ambitions as the nation approaches a critical electoral juncture.
As Sonko’s chances of participating in the upcoming elections hang in the balance, supporters and critics alike are closely watching for the potential repercussions of this legal setback on the broader democratic process in Senegal.
