The government of Macky Sall has condemned comments made by former president, Abdoulaye Wade,  in the run-up to next week’s presidential election, as “irresponsible and subversive.”

It says calls by the 92-year-old former leader for people to attack polling stations and burn their voter cards and electoral rolls are “unacceptable.”

The government added that Wade’s attitude would not be tolerated and that any illegal action will be sanctioned.

Wade, who returned to Dakar last week from France, claimed that the  presidential poll is rigged in favour of the incumbent Macky Sall.

His son, Karim Wade, who is also the leader of his party – Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) –  was barred from standing in the poll due to a corruption conviction.

As a result, the PDS does not have a presidential candidate.

Wade – who has been a leading figure in the country since the 70s – still has a base of supporters but it is unclear whether they will dismiss or listen to his calls for violence.

He led the West African nation from 2000 – 2012. He stepped down after he was defeated by President Sall while seeking a controversial third-term.