OSIWA and AfriMAP today organized a workshop to validate a study on "Senegal: An Old Democracy in need of Reform”. The study comes at an opportune time given the immense concern over the prospects of the country's challenging electoral process. The study constitutes a solid base for engaging national stakeholders on political reforms that are urgently needed. According to the author, the study examined the key governance and institutional challenges confronting Senegal including the issues of political participation and the eventual candidature of president Wade which continue to raise serious concern. In addition, the study outlines concrete recommendations that are critical for OSIWA and AfriMAP's programmatic and advocacy work in Senegal.

The workshop was attended by a range of participants including members from various political parties, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the international community. Drawing from the various enriching contributions, most participants commended the timing, scientific solidity and immense utility of the study. It must be recalled that this study fits into the overall strategic outcomes of OSIWA designed to strengthen democratic practices and institution building in the sub-region. Finally, while the study provides a deeper insight into the immense governance challenges in the country it also constitutes a sound policy advocacy document that would be of tremendous use to a range of actors that continue to give decisive support to political reforms in the country.