Senegal: Authorities indefinitely suspend the nation's presidential election as of Feb. 3 /update 1

Authorities in Senegal suspended the nation's presidential election indefinitely as of Feb. 3; the election was scheduled for Feb. 25. The move came the day before candidates were to begin campaigning. During an address to the country, President Macky Sall announced the cancellation was due to disputes over the electoral candidate list and to promote a fair, inclusive, and transparent election. The postponement also comes amid an ongoing investigation into Constitutional Council members. Recently, several government officials have called for the delay of the election, citing possible alleged misconduct within the Constitutional Council. The election was to be held on Feb. 25.

Heightened security will likely persist in the coming days. Security force deployments will probably be exceptionally high near public squares and government facilities to prevent any violence. Demonstrations and rallies remain possible amid the tense political environment. Authorities will likely use force to disperse any protests that materialize, and clashes remain possible.