Senegalese lawmakers on Monday got physical as they debated an unprecedented move to delay this month’s presidential election, which also sparked clashes outside parliament and prompted international concern.

After the evacuation by the gendarmes of the opposition deputies from the hemicycle, the National Assembly adopted this Monday, February 5, almost unanimously of the deputies present (105 votes for and 1 against) the bill relating to the postponement of the presidential election on December 15, 2024.

The atmosphere in Senegal — often viewed as a bastion of stability in coup-hit West Africa — has been tense since Saturday when Sall announced a delay to the February 25 vote, just hours before campaigning was officially set to begin.

The same bill leaves the outgoing president in power until a new one takes office.