Violent protests have erupted in Senegal following President Macky Sall's unexpected decision to postpone the country's presidential election, which was scheduled to take place in just three weeks. This crisis poses a significant challenge to one of West Africa's most stable democracies, especially as the region grapples with democratic setbacks and a rise in military coups.

On Monday, Senegal's parliament voted to delay the presidential election until December 15, extending President Sall's 12-year tenure beyond its intended end date of April 2. The bill was passed with overwhelming support, except for one vote against, after several opposition lawmakers were forcibly removed from the chamber. This move marks the first time in Senegal's history of multi-party democracy since 1974 that an election has been postponed.

The decision to delay the vote, which was made just hours before the official start of campaigning, has further heightened tensions in the already politically charged atmosphere. Critics of President Sall accuse him of cracking down on opponents and attempting to hold onto power. They believe that the postponement was motivated by his fear that his chosen successor, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, was at risk of losing the election.

Various opposition figures, such as Khalifa Sall and two opposition parties, have denounced the postponement as a "constitutional coup" and filed a court petition challenging the election delay. Cabinet minister Abdou Latif Coulibaly even resigned in protest of President Sall's decision, emphasizing that extending his term is constitutionally impossible.

This political crisis has raised concerns about Senegal's democratic credentials and the potential weakening of its institutions. Gilles Yabi, a political analyst and head of the Dakar-based think tank Wathi, warns of a looming constitutional crisis, highlighting the attack on the Constitutional Council, which upholds the separation of powers.

The fear of violent unrest is also growing, reminiscent of the protests that erupted in 2021 and 2023, resulting in numerous fatalities and arrests. These protests were triggered by the arrest and subsequent sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko in a case his supporters deemed politically motivated.

President Sall, who previously campaigned against his predecessor's bid for a third term, now faces accusations of trying to cling to power beyond the constitutional two-term limit. This irony has not gone unnoticed among his critics.

Senegal's democratic model, which has been praised internationally, is now under scrutiny. The country's allies, including the United States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have expressed concern about the crisis and urged a prompt restoration of the electoral timetable.

Human Rights Watch has also highlighted the risk that Senegal's reputation as a beacon of democracy in the region is at stake. The organization calls on the authorities to prevent violence, rein in security forces, respect freedom of speech and assembly, and restore internet access to bring Senegal back on track towards a democratic path.

While experts downplay the likelihood of a military coup, citing Senegal's history of peaceful transitions of power, the situation remains uncertain. The postponed election and the political tensions it has sparked have put Senegal's stability and democratic progress at risk.