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Three Senegalese MPs have been arrested, as anger over the decision to delay the election until December continues to grow.

The West African regional organisation ECOWAS, and the United States, are among those who have expressed their concern over the postponement in Senegal which, until now, has been seen as a democratic success story.

The delay was demanded by President Macky Sall. It is possible, though, that it could benefit two opposition politicians who at the moment are barred from running - Karim Wade, because of his dual French-Senegalese nationality, and Ousmane Sonko, who is in jail on what his supporters say are trumped-up charges.

Juan Branco is one of Mr Sonko's lawyers and he gave Newsday his assessment of the situation.

"We're facing a coup d'茅tat by the current president, Macky Sall. There has been, in the last 48 hours, 200 people who have been arrested, including several members of the parliament, including the former prime minister which was appointed by the current president."

"So, we're seeing how this situation will evolve."

(Pic: A Senegalese demonstrator reacts during clashes with riot police; Credit: Reuters)

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