Senegal campaigns begin as opposition cries foul

CAMPAIGNING began in Senegal on Sunday ahead of next month’s legislative polls, with the former ruling party crying foul over corruption probes launched against key members after the election of President Macky Sall.Twenty-four lists of parties and party coalitions are contesting the July 1 elections, in which voters will pick 150 lawmakers for a five-year mandate.The polls mark the first popularity test for Sall, who won the March 25 presidential election run-off against Abdoulaye Wade, ending his 12 years in power.Sall’s presidential coalition is favourite to win the legislative polls.But the former ruling Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS) has accused the new administration of harassing its members in the run-up to the elections.The president of the Senate and several former ministers have in recent days come under investigation in national audits for “ill-gotten gains”.The new authorities have set up a special court to recover any stolen assets.They have also recovered dozens of vehicles they allege were held illegally by members of the former regime.And they have promised that other audits will follow.PDS officials have accused the new administration of using the audits to “intimidate and harrass” members of the party ahead of the elections.They say it is a smokescreen to hide the new administration’s inability to meet its campaign pledges.