Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The legal dispute over Ousmane Sonko’s candidacy in Senegal’s upcoming legislative elections has escalated, with his defense team filing briefs they claim will dismantle objections from political opponents. On October 9, Sonko’s legal team, led by attorney Me Khoureychy Bâ, submitted two briefs to Senegal’s Constitutional Council, countering an appeal from the Takku Wallu coalition that challenges both Sonko’s candidacy and Pastef’s list of substitute candidates.

According to Me Bâ, the Takku Wallu coalition filed two separate complaints, one seeking to disqualify Sonko as the head of Pastef’s candidate list for the November 17 legislative elections, and another aiming to annul Pastef’s alternate candidate list.

Speaking on behalf of the defense, Bâ conveyed confidence in Sonko’s case, characterizing the defense’s position as built on a “solid and indestructible” foundation intended to neutralize the opposition’s arguments.

The appeal from Takku Wallu comes amid a contentious pre-election period, where Sonko, leader of the opposition Pastef party, has faced legal and political challenges stemming from his high-profile criticism of the current administration.

Sonko’s candidacy is seen as a significant threat by his opponents, due to his rising popularity among Senegalese youth and his vocal stance against government corruption. His supporters argue that attempts to disqualify him represent efforts to stifle political competition and marginalize opposition voices.

While specific details of the defense’s argument remain undisclosed “out of respect for the High Court,” Bâ expressed that the filings contain compelling rebuttals that will effectively counter the claims presented by the Takku Wallu coalition.

This high-stakes legal battle now awaits deliberation by the Constitutional Council, a decision that could either clear the way for Sonko’s participation in the legislative race or potentially disrupt Pastef’s electoral ambitions, with wider implications for Senegal’s political landscape as the November 17 election draws near.