On Feb. 16, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion on Senegal’s elections and their implications for democracy, economic growth and regional stability.

Senegal—a nation long considered a leader in African democracy—will hold its presidential elections on February 26. In a recent and controversial court ruling, President Abdoulaye Wade received approval to pursue re-election for a third term in office despite a constitutional two-term limit. The decision has sparked public unrest and heightened discontent, although opposition candidates remain fragmented and unable to unify around a challenger.

Panelists include Mamadou Diouf, professor at Columbia University; Chris Fomunyoh, senior associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute; and Vera Songwe, World Bank country director for Senegal, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Mauritania. Senior Fellow Mwangi S. Kimenyi, director of the Africa Growth Initiative, will provide the introductory remarks and Witney Schneidman, president of Schneidman and Associates International and a special guest with the Africa Growth Initiative will moderate the discussion.

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Date: Feb. 16, 2012

Location: The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC