In a significant turn of events, Senegal is set to conduct its presidential election without delay, adhering to the Constitutional Council’s mandate, which overturned President Macky Sall’s earlier decree to postpone the vote. The government’s announcement came on Friday, signaling a commitment to uphold the country’s democratic values amid a political crisis that has seen deadly protests and internet restrictions.
President Sall, in early February, had sought to push back the originally scheduled February 25 election to December 15, citing unresolved disputes over candidate eligibility. This move, ratified by the National Assembly, was met with public outcry and led to violent confrontations between security forces and protestors, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.
The Constitutional Council, on Thursday, deemed these postponement efforts unconstitutional, pressing for the election to be held at the earliest feasible date, although it acknowledged that the original February 25 timeline was no longer viable. Presidential spokesperson Yoro Dia affirmed Sall’s intention to fully comply with this directive, though a specific new election date remains pending.
Senegal’s struggle to navigate this electoral impasse has drawn international attention, with the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commending the Constitutional Council’s decision. Both have called for an inclusive and transparent election process, reflective of Senegal’s constitutional framework. Additionally, the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, has echoed the call for adherence to the revised electoral timeline.
The political turmoil has spotlighted President Sall’s tenure, amid accusations of attempting to extend his stay in office beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, set to conclude on April 2. Sall has refuted these claims, emphasizing his respect for the democratic process.
As tensions simmer, the government’s release of several hundred political prisoners this week signals a move towards reconciliation. The opposition continues to advocate for the release of all political detainees and the initiation of dialogues aimed at confirming an election date promptly, as voiced by Dr. Manel Fall of the dissolved PASTEF opposition party.
