The Dakar High Court ordered on Thursday, December 14, the reinstatement of Senegalese opponent Ousmane Sonko in the electoral lists. While the courts initially decided to remove him from the list, this step backwards by the Dakar court could revive the jailed opponent's candidacy for the February 2024 presidential election.
Published on: 12/14/2023 – 10:38 a.m. Modified on: 12/14/2023 – 10:50 a.m
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The court thus confirms a ruling made in October, which was overturned by the Supreme Court in mid-November. This decision brings back into the race the opponent who was removed from the lists after being sentenced to two years in prison in a morality trial in June. Ousmane Sonko now has until December 26th to submit his application and collect his sponsorship.
Some Ousmane Sonko supporters gathered in the courtroom greeted the news with cheers and shouted the opponent's name.
One of his lawyers, Me Ciré Clédor Ly, reiterated that the State could appeal to the Supreme Court, but that “this appeal is not suspensory.” “The electoral law is very clear. When the judge makes his decision, that decision must be implemented immediately,” he assured.
Ousmane Sonko was detained in late July on additional charges, including incitement to insurrection, criminal association in connection with a terrorist enterprise and endangering state security.
The opponent describes this affair and others of which he is the subject as targeted machinations exclude him from the presidential election. The government, for its part, resists any exploitation of justice.
Further information follows.