Senegal condemns ex-leader's call to 'burn voters card'

Louise Dewast

Dakar, Senegal

BBC

Senegal's government has condemned calls for violence by former President Abdoulaye Wade, who claims the presidential poll scheduled later this month is rigged in favour of the incumbent Macky Sall.

The government says calls by the 92-year-old former leader for people to attack polling stations and burn their voter cards and electoral rolls are irresponsible and subversive.

Mr Wade, who lives in France, returned to Dakar last week after his son was barred from standing in the poll due to a corruption conviction.

As a result, his party - Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) - does not have a presidential candidate.

The government added that Mr Wade's attitude would not be tolerated and that any illegal action will be sanctioned.

Mr Wade - who has been a leading figure in the country since the 70s - still has a base of supporters but it is unclear whether they will dismiss or listen to his calls for violence.

He led the West African nation from 2000 - 2012. He stepped down after he was defeated by President Sall while seeking a controversial third-term.