The popular Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko got a stiffer suspended sentence in a libel case, throwing doubt on his presidential bid.
According to a lawyer involved in the case, the tourist minister, whom Boubacar Cissé represents, has had his suspended prison term doubled to six months.
Sonko received a two-month suspended sentence in March, but he is still eligible to compete for president in the upcoming election.
According to Moussa Diaw, a senior professor of political science at Gaston Berger University in the Senegalese city of Saint Louis, if he does not successfully challenge the extra sentence, he will most likely be barred from running for office under the electoral norm governing candidate eligibility.
Diaw contended that if the sentence was final, it would render his candidacy disqualified. If this occurs, the political discourse may be seriously polluted.
Sonko’s attorneys did not respond quickly. He has six days to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Authorities seem to have attempted to resolve a long-running stalemate with Sonko’s followers early this year by imposing a reduced sentence; these supporters have often taken to the streets to protest what they say is a politically motivated campaign.
