Senegal braces for ruling on Wade's third term bid

Senegal braced Friday for a ruling on whether President Abdoulaye Wade can seek a controversial third term, with the opposition staging a protest at what it brands an illegal bid to stay in power. The planned demonstration, called despite a five-day government ban on protests, had stoked fears of violence, but sources said Friday that the rally would now be allowed to go ahead after EU mediation. Sources from the interior ministry, opposition and the EU said the protest -- being organised by the June 23 Movement which opposes Wade's candidature -- would now be "tolerated". Riot police were patrolling in Dakar ahead of the rally, being held the day that the Constitutional Council announces its approved list of candidates for the February 26 presidential election. The constitutional row over Wade's plans to run again has set the nation on edge, raising fears for one of Africa's most stable democracies. Wade, 85, was first elected in 2000 for a seven-year mandate, and re-elected in 2007 under a new constitution for a five-year mandate. In 2008 the constitution was changed again to allow for two seven-year terms from 2012, a move Wade insists allows him to run again. "I wrote the constitution. Alone. Nobody knows it better than me," Wade said in an interview published on news website Dakaractu on Thursday. "I can even legally stand again in 2019." Members of the international community have called for calm and respect of human rights in Senegal, with some observers warning the nation is ripe for violence amid discontent over Wade's insistence on seeking a fresh term. The five-judge Constitutional Council, which has the final say on constitutional matters, has until midnight to announce its approved candidates, among a group also including Grammy-award winning singer Youssou Ndour On criticism that he should not be seeking a third term, especially at his age, Wade said: "I still feel physically and intellectually able to serve my people. "I cannot stop in midstream... I need three years to complete some major projects that will turn Senegal into an emerging country." Wade, a veteran opposition figure who dislodged the Socialist Party after 40 years of rule in a 2000 election on his fifth shot at the presidency, has grown increasingly unpopular as he attempts to cling to power. Paul Melly, Associate Fellow of the Africa Programme at the London think-tank Chatham House told AFP "there is a widespread expectation that the constitutional council will in fact give the green light (to Wade)." Observers have warned against a repetition of violent riots in June last year and clashes between rival parties in December which left one person dead. The government this week banned protests until Monday to "preserve peace and serenity" and avoid pressure on the Council ahead of its decision. France on Thursday urged Senegal to ensure the right to free speech and assembly, calling for elections to be held in "a calm atmosphere and in a transparent manner". "It is up to everyone to prove their responsibility. The future of Senegal is at stake in these elections," foreign ministry deputy spokesman Romain Nadal said. US deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs, William Fitzgerald, said Monday that Wade's bid to stay in office was "regrettable". Paris has however refrained from taking a stance on Wade's plans. Amnesty International's west Africa researcher Salvatore Sagues said: "Senegal is at a crossroads and the potential for destabilisation is huge." Senegal has long been seen as a good example of democracy in Africa, with previous leaders Leopold Sedar Senghor and Abdou Diouf peacefully handing over power, although both served several terms under a previous constitution.