Senegal's president defends delaying elections in exclusive interview as protests erupt nationwide

Senegalese President Macky Sall defended his decision to postpone elections as violent protests erupted across the country

DAKAR, Senegal -- Senegalese President Macky Sall defended his decision to postpone elections as violent protests erupted across the country on Friday.

In his first interview since announcing the delay, Sall brushed off allegations that the decision was unconstitutional and that he'd created a constitutional crisis, saying the country needed more time to resolve controversies over the disqualification of some candidates and a conflict between the legislative and judicial branches of government.

But much of the public fears that Sall, who faces term limits, is just seeking to delay leaving office.

Senegal is one of West Africa's most stable democracies, but the presidential vote has been dogged by controversies from deadly protests that resulted in Sall announcing that he would not seek a third term, to the disqualification of two opposition leaders by the highest election authority.

Sall denied that he's trying to hold on to power. “I am absolutely seeking for nothing except to leave a country in peace and stability,” said Sall. "I am completely ready to pass the baton. I have always been programmed for that.”