One of Africa’s most stable democracies, Senegal, recently had a presidential election. President Macky Sall won the election with 58% of the votes, not requiring a runoff election in March. Although Senegal is one of the most stable countries on the African continent, there were demonstrations during the campaigning period. There were less than ten casualties during the demonstrations.
The other candidates that ran against Macky Sall declared their acceptance of the results. The supreme court of Senegal must confirm the results before Macky Sall can continue with his presidency. One of my close friends is studying abroad in Dakar and he said the political climate was relatively calm, but it was suggested that he didn’t leave his house unless he absolutely needed to. In anticipation of the results, they closed his American school, but I’m not sure if they closed all of the schools after the elections. It is interesting how stability varies across the continent. Sudan, Nigeria, and Algeria are in turmoil regarding their politics and following elections, while life in Senegal continues the same; even though there is corruption in Senegal as well. I don’t know if this is related to the elections in Senegal, but visas are being held up for those visiting the United States from Senegal.
Many citizens are content with the results of the election. I think one of the main reasons is because Sall continues to grow the economy of Senegal. Under Sall a new airport is being built outside of the city, that has the potential to bring more tourism to the country. With Senegal’s stability, beautiful beaches, and the vibrancy of the culture, the tourism industry has the potential to be big there. Once one gets past all of the misconceptions and generalizations surrounding the African continent, I think more people would like to travel to Senegal. I don’t know if Sall plans on expanding the industry, but with the construction of the new airport, its possible.