Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade has rescinded his decision not to run for a third term and challenged the opposition to elections in 60 days.
« I can call a presidential election ahead of schedule in order to preserve a peaceful social climate and nation unity. The constitution allows me to do that and I am ready to do so if the opposition is in a hurry and believes that it controls the majority of the electorate, » President Wade, 85, warned.
The ageing leader made the statement on Thursday night in a televised message to the nation after weeks of silence in the wake of violent demonstrations last month.
During the hour-long broadcast, President Wade also pledged to share power with the opposition.
« But that should be seen as a facility, a show of good faith and openness, but not an obligation on my part, » he said. I am, therefore, looking forward to hearing from you (the opposition) in spite of the fact that I still agree that the polls be held on February 26, 2012, » he said.
« Even though I had said that I will not contest the polls, I also have the right to rescind on that decision. »
He warned troublemakers against any further attempts to « destabilise » the country, saying « I have given a firm directive to the security forces in that connection and urged them to stay within the ambits of the law ».
The nationwide demonstrations organised by the opposition and civil society turned violent and left hundreds seriously injured. Dozens were also arrested.
Property destroyed
Property worth millions of dollars was destroyed and looted culminating in the withdrawal of the controversial election law on June 23 by the Head of State.
President Wade had remained silent and out of the public eye since an opposition coalition he headed brought him to power in 2000, following a run-off with the erstwhile Socialist Party, which ruled the country since independence in 1960.
