( CNN ) -- Senegal 's octogenarian incumbent president is seeking a third term Sunday , a bid that has sparked deadly protests and threatened the nation 's reputation as one of the most stable democracies in Africa . The incumbent . Abdoulaye Wade , 85 , came to power in 2000 after multiple unsuccessful runs . One of the continent 's oldest leaders , the French-trained lawyer also has a degree in economics . He is seeking a third term against a crowded field of 13 others , including two women . He was initially credited with boosting the nation 's infrastructure , but his critics have accused him of autocracy and said he is grooming his son to take over after him . Others have accused the leader of grandiose investments , including a costly towering monument near the capital of Dakar that sparked criticism in a country where poverty is still rife . Other contenders include Ousmane Tanor Dieng , Moustapha Niasse and Macky Sall , the latter of whom considered Wade a mentor . Why are protesters against his run ? Senegalese protesters have taken to the streets nationwide since Wade won a court bid to run for a third term despite a constitutional limit mandating two terms . Wade successfully argued that he is exempt because he took office before the term limit was put in place . Wade is among a list of elderly leaders clinging to power in sub-Saharan Africa despite demands for them to step down . Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe used his recent 88th birthday to lash out at critics and vowed to run for re-election . The opposition has said it will protest if Wade wins , but analysts say a lack of cohesion among foes and a system that favors the incumbent make it harder to unseat Wade , who is nicknamed the `` hare '' for his shrewd politics . `` Opposition in Senegal is weak due to a lack of interest , resolve and an unfair political and electoral system that 's hell bent on guaranteeing Wade 's presidency , '' said Ayo Johnson , an analyst on Africa . Who is behind the protests ? Grammy-award winning Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour is one of the forces behind the demonstrations . Last month , the constitutional court barred the singer from running for president , sparking more outrage on the streets . The court said he did not have enough signatures for his application to be valid , which he denies . Other leaders , entertainers and groups have joined the movement to block Wade 's bid for a third term . An opposition coalition dubbed M23 has galvanized the protests and maintained the momentum as opposition candidates resumed campaigning . The June 23 Movement , or M23 , is named after the date of a major protest last year against a constitutional amendment that would almost guarantee Wade victory . Why is Senegal considered a stable democracy ? Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 , and is one of the few nations in West Africa that has not had a coup . Past elections have included a smooth transition of power , a rarity in a continent with a history of election chaos , civil wars and coups . Its democracy is rooted in history -- even as a French colony , Senegal had representatives in parliament . `` Elections in Senegal have previously been peaceful , '' Johnson said . `` Currently , there is a lot of tension , anxiety , and protesters are already having running battles with police forces loyal to Wade . This would have been previously unthinkable . '' The Senegalese are becoming `` more daring and resolute '' in their quest to oust Wade , the analyst said . Is Wade headed for re-election ? Analysts say a divided opposition vote makes it easier for him to coast through . `` There are 13 presidential candidates with different ideologies and political differences ... making it easy for Wade to streak through a third term , '' Johnson said . `` However , if voting goes to a second round , a weakened Wade will find it difficult to win . '' Wade would have stiff competition if parties consolidate their vote and rally against one candidate , he said . Conflict in the south also an issue . Despite its badge of honor as a stable democracy , a decades-long separatist rebellion in the southern region of Casamance remains unresolved . The government and rebel leaders have signed a peace accord in the past , and Wade promised to end the conflict when he took over , but the simmering tensions have blemished the nation 's reputation .
Protests as Senegal 's octogenarian incumbent president wins third term . Abdoulaye Wade , 85 , returns to power in 2000 after multiple unsuccessful runs . President Youssou N'Dour is one of forces behind demonstrations . Past elections have included smooth transition of power , a rarity in Senegal .