DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — An anti-government protest in the Senegalese capital got off to a peaceful start yesterday, a day after two civilians were killed by paramilitary police in a similar demonstration.

Several hundred people gathered, holding up signs and chanting slogans in Place de l'Obelisque, a large square in downtown Dakar. The demonstrators are protesting against the ruling by the country's top legal body which validated President Abdoulaye Wade's candidacy in next month's election.

Wade is seeking a third term, even though the constitution was changed soon after he took office in order to impose a two-term maximum. Wade — and the court — argued that the new law is not retroactive. Since it took effect after Wade was first elected in 2000, the court said it did not apply to him.

Opposition leaders had vowed to lead a popular uprising if the 85-year-old Wade runs in the February 26 election.

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