Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo proposed measures to restore calm in Senegal Saturday as the country prepared for a potentially contentious presidential election, according to dpa. Senegal has been rocked by daily protests in the run-up to Sunday's election, which pits incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade against 13 opposition candidates. At least seven people have been killed in clashes between police and demonstrators. At issue is Wade's decision to run for a third term, despite a constitutional two-term limit, and the decision to block candidates like popular singer Youssou N'Dour. Obasanjo is heading a joint African Union and Economic Community of West African States observation and mediation mission to Senegal. He told reporters Saturday that his team has made "a number of proposals" so that "the only victor in this election should be the Republic of Senegal." One proposal included a two-year term for Wade if he wins Sunday's election. "We met with all important stakeholders in the election," Obasanjo said. "The opposition is rigidly sticking to their view, which is that they do not want anything more than a one-year term for Wade if he wins." "Wade would be willing to consider a three-year term. So we are proposing two years," he said. Wade argues the term limits do not apply to him because he came to power before it was implemented. Obasanjo said that neither side had yet reacted to the proposal. His team also suggested that the opposition be allowed to nominate members to preside over the counting of the vote. Obasanjo called for peace during tomorrow's vote. "This country is so beautiful and so important to the region that nothing should be done to undermine its greatness," he said. "Even when the election is over there will still be a need to win peace," he said.
