Following recent unrest and protests in Senegal after President Macky Sall postponed the presidential election last month, the government has announced that the election will now take place on March 24.

The decision comes amidst accusations from the president's opponents of a constitutional coup, although President Sall denies any attempt to extend his term beyond the scheduled end date of April 2, after 12 years in power.

The announcement of the election date has been met with approval from opposition figures, who emphasize the importance of fair and transparent elections. Aminata Touré, a former prime minister under Mr. Sall who has since joined the opposition, expressed this sentiment, highlighting it as the president's final duty.

Senegal, long regarded as one of Africa's most stable democracies, has experienced a period of heightened political tension, with attempts to postpone the original February 25 poll leading to deadly unrest. However, the Constitutional Council later ruled that the election must take place before April 2.

In a move to address political tensions, President Sall dissolved the government earlier in the evening and appointed Interior Minister Sidiki Kaba as the new Prime Minister, allowing the ruling coalition's presidential candidate, Amadou Ba, to focus on his electoral campaign.

Amidst ongoing debate, lawmakers have passed a bill granting amnesty for offenses related to political demonstrations between February 1, 2021, and February 25, 2024.

While some critics argue that this law may shield perpetrators of serious crimes, including security forces implicated in protester deaths, supporters believe it will benefit the opposition, potentially leading to the release of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko and his supporters.

Despite these reforms, political tensions persist, with leading opposition figures like Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade unable to contest the election due to their exclusion from the list of eligible candidates. Nonetheless, opposition figures express hope and determination, looking forward to a democratic process and the possibility of change in Senegal's political landscape.