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Senegal clashes as President Wade cleared to run for third term | |
(40 minutes later) | |
Clashes have erupted in Senegal's capital Dakar, after the top court said President Abdoulaye Wade could run for a third term in next month's poll. | |
Angered by the decision, protesters threw stones at riot police, who responded by firing tear gas. | |
Mr Wade, 85, has already served two terms. But the constitution was amended since he was last elected, and he has argued the law is not retroactive. | |
In its ruling, the court barred famous singer Youssou N'Dour from running. | |
The constitutional court issued a statement late on Friday listing 14 candidates - including Mr Wade - eligible to stand in the 26 February election. | |
Mr Wade - who came to power in 2000 and was re-elected in 2007 - has insisted that his first term pre-dated the 2001 constitutional change establishing the two-term limit. | |
The opposition had earlier warned it would hold street protests if Mr Wade's candidacy was approved. | |
The authorities said the protest would be tolerated in spite of an official ban on demonstrations. | |
There were no immediate reports of injuries in Friday's clashes. |