Three Senegal opposition lawmakers arrested after disputed vote delay

Riot police officers detain a protester who was gathering with others to protest the postponement of the February 25 presidential election, near Senegal's National Assembly in Dakar, Senegal February 5, 2024. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File Photo

DAKAR (Reuters) -Three Senegalese opposition lawmakers were arrested on Tuesday amid the fallout from parliament's move to delay a presidential vote by 10 months that prompted West Africa's economic and political bloc to call for the re-establishment of the electoral calendar.

Lawmakers late on Monday approved a last-minute amendment to hold the vote on Dec. 15, instead of Feb. 25, sealing an extension of President Macky Sall's mandate that has sparked street protests and international alarm.