In an unexpected turn of events, Senegal’s President Macky Sall has announced the postponement of the presidential elections, initially scheduled for later this month. The decision, revealed through a decree on Saturday, comes amidst growing concerns over the disqualification of key candidates and allegations of corruption, casting shadows over the electoral process in one of West Africa’s bastions of democracy.
President Sall, addressing the nation, stated, “For my part, my solemn commitment not to run in the presidential election remains unchanged, finally, I will engage in an open national dialogue to bring together the conditions for a free, transparent and inclusive election.” Despite his firm stance on not seeking re-election and endorsing Prime Minister Amadou Ba as his successor, the absence of a new date for the vote has left many in speculation.
Senegalese casting vote during an election
The decree to delay the election was signed just hours before the official campaign period was set to commence, marking a historic moment for Senegal. This is the first time since 1963 that the country has seen a direct universal suffrage presidential election postponed. The move follows the establishment of a parliamentary commission to investigate the integrity of two judges from the Constitutional Council, further complicating the pre-election atmosphere.
The Constitutional Council’s exclusion of prominent opposition figures Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade from the election had already stirred significant controversy. President Sall’s decision to postpone the election is seen as an effort to address the integrity concerns raised and to ensure a fair and inclusive voting process.
