The next electoral cycle is not far away and political partiesshould be concerned with developments in Senegal. Thedisbanding of PASTEF and the imprisonment of its leader hasraised and is still raising the political temperature in Senegal.These are reminders that political tolerance is a key to nationalstability. The first incarceration of Ousmane Sonko led to massuprising which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.Eventually, President Macky Sall made two fundamental
decisions which could have allowed him to leave office withoutbeing accused of undermining the multi party system in Senegal.First and foremost, he declared that he would not seek a thirdterm. Secondly the troops that kept Sonko under house detentionwere removed, thus allowing him to move freely. This gave theimpression that he would serve as an umpire during the electoralprocess in Senegal and ensure that all those who are participantsare treated fairly.Such a state of affairs would have earned him the respect of theSenegalese people, the continent and the world at large. It isdefinite that he will not be a contestant in the forthcoming electionin Senegal. It is questionable what is there to gain by the banimposed on PASTEF and the incarceration of Sonko.The Gambia should learn from such lesson. The only system thatis worth defending is the one that allows a government to governwithout obstructions in accordance with its constitutional mandate;and the opposition to hold it to account whenever it strays fromprotecting the general welfare.If all parties are committed to serve country, social cohesion willnever be threatened.Now the country is in a great dilemma and there is no need forthis.