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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