You misread the resolve of the Senegalese people for change which came as no big
surprise for some more cautious observers of Senegalese politics in recent
times.
TOMBONG SAIDY wrote:
> Dear Lers,
>
> Below is an article from PANA (Pan African News Agency)concerning the low
> voter turn out in the second round of the Presidential elections. If what is
> being reported in Dakar is true in the rest of the country, then Abdou Joof
> will definitely win. Low voter turn out generally affects the opposition
> more than the incumbend or ruling party. My predictions will become a
> reality in the next few hours.
>
> PEACE
>
> TOMBONG
>
> Voter Apathy Pales Senegal's Presidential Run-Off
>
> March 19, 2000
>
> DAKAR, Senegal (PANA) - A low voter turn out in parts of Dakar Sunday marked
> the beginning of the second round of
> voting in Senegal's 2000 presidential election that had generated
> unprecedented anxiety among citizens.
>
> The second ballot was the first of its kind since Senegal obtained its
> independence from France in 1960.
>
> Only Pikine, a suburb known to be an opposition stronghold, there was a
> massive voter turn out as compared to Rufisque, a
> town 20 km out of Dakar.
>
> Even near Place de l'Independence in central Dakar, where President Abdou
> Diouf voted at about 11:10 (same as GMT), low
> turn out clearly signified voter apathy.
>
> Diouf, of ruling Socialist Party, is vying in the second round against
> Abdoulaye Wade of the opposition Democratic Party of Senegal.
>
> Wade and Diouf emerged on top during the first round on 27 February with
> 31.1 percent and 41.30 percent, respectively, among eight candidates who
> contested the presidency.
>
> Reeling from the effects of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al Kebir on Friday,
> Dakar's electorate was without enthusiasm Sunday.
>
> Wade is contesting for the high office for the fourth time.
>
> The polls would remain open until 1800 GMT to be followed by counting of the
> ballots.
>
> After casting his ballot, Diouf said that the holding of a second round was
> an indicator of how democracy flourished in Senegal.
>
> "In fact this second round today is really a victory for democracy in our
> country," he added.
>
> He declined to predict who might win the election, only emphasising its
> significance for democracy in Senegal.
>
> Calm prevailed in Dakar's suburban Rufisque, where militant youths had
> attacked the residence of the mayor during the
> campaign and the first round of the election.
>
> Tiredness was observed on the faces of voters, many of whom were seated in
> the queue waiting for their turn to vote.
>
> Polling started simultaneously at about 8 am (GMT) throughout the regions,
> according to reports from the Senegalese News
> Agency.
>
> The agency which reported that polling started without incidence, said some
> 2,725,987 registered voters were expected to cast
> ballots in the second.
>
> In Thies, a major urban centre located some 70 km outside Dakar, polling
> stations opened on time, APS reported.
>
> It quoted Adama Kante, chairman of the Thies branch of the national election
> observatory as saying: "We have representatives
> everywhere in the city and, for the moment, the ballot is proceeding
> normally."
>
> However, he noted that voters did not go out in large numbers to exercise
> their franchise.
>
> An hour and a half after polling started in the Railway town, turn out was
> still low causing supervisors to remain idle in want of
> voters.
>
> The agency blamed fatigue after celebrating the Eid Al Kebir in Senegal,
> predominantly Moslem for the low turnout.
>
> Other analysts also cited transportation difficulties for voters who spent
> the holiday outside their voting precincts.
>
> But one witness said that there was low enthusiasm because a second round
> was a novelty for Senegalese voters.
>
> Other observers predicted that if the trend continued, it would affect the
> results of the second round.
>
> ______________________________________________________
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