February 17, 2000
DAKAR, Senegal (PANA) - The candidate for the "ALternance 2000", Abdoulaye Wade, has expressed regrets and sadness after the incidents which occurred Tuesday in Senegal's northern town of Saint-Louis between his supporters and those of the ruling socialist party, whose candidate Abdou Diouf is supported by the Senegalese Liberal Party (PLS).
In an interview published Thursday by the Dakar-based daily, Wal Fadjri, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party rejected accusations made by Socialist Party supporters against his party, but said adamantly that it will not act as the fire-brigade this time round.
Wade and Diouf were holding rallies in Saint-Louis, where violent incidents caused many people to be injured on both sides.
Wade charged that supporters of the ruling party "had stocks of stone on the ground."
"I hope this will not repeat itself any more. If anyone violates my rights during the election campaign, he will be responsible for whatever consequences will arise out of it," the paper quoted Wade as warning.
Meanwhile, Diouf Wednesday told a campaign rally in Louga, his home area, in the north, that the Socialist Party supporters would no longer let themselves to be downtrodden.
He urged them not to provoke anybody, "but you must defend yourself and be vigilant."