Senegalese Vote in Presidential Polls

Senegal's Wade seeks a third term after weeks of unrest in Senegal.

Published

over 1 year ago

Categories

World, Africa

Topics

Politics & Government, Africa

People

Abdoulaye Wade, Youssou N'dour

Places

Senegal, Dakar

Tags

economy, senegalese government, protest, election

Transcript

Musician Youssou N'Dour votes in Senegal's presidential elections.The polls are a hot topic for residents as embattled President Abdoulaye Wade runs for a third term.But N'Dour says his compatriots are not "stupid" enough to vote in a man accused of ruining the peaceful nation's economy and weeks of violent protests responsible for the deaths of at least six.Others predict the violence will cease as long as the voting process is orderly.(SOUNDBITE)(French) FATOU MBODJ, DAKAR RESIDENT, ANSWERING REPORTER QUESTION OF WHETHER SHE BELIEVES THERE WILL BE VIOLENCE, SAYING:"I don't think so because what I think is if everyone got up really early to go and vote, we shouldn't have any problems, and we can wait for the results to come out."But not everyone is willing to keep up appearances.Hecklers taunted Wade as he cast his vote on Sunday.The former French colony is known as a peaceful nation and has had numerous successful elections since independence in 1960.Jessica Gray, Reuters