Senegal’s President Vows Swift Election After Court Overturn
Senegal is set to hold a presidential election at the earliest possible date following the overturning of President Macky Sall’s decree to postpone the vote. President Sall had sought to delay the February 25 election due to unresolved disputes over candidate eligibility, with the National Assembly voting to reschedule it for December 15. However, Senegal’s Constitutional Council declared these moves unconstitutional on Thursday, ordering the government to conduct the election as soon as possible, acknowledging that February 25 would no longer be feasible.
Presidential spokesperson Yoro Dia stated on Friday that President Sall intends to fully comply with the council’s decision and conduct the elections promptly, though a specific date has not been specified yet. Senegal, known for its stability in the region, has faced a political crisis with deadly protests and disruptions to mobile internet following election disputes. At least three people have been killed, and dozens have been injured.
Accusations have been leveled against President Sall, suggesting an attempt to delay leaving office, which he denied in a recent AP interview. Local and international pressure has mounted since the attempt to postpone the vote. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs commended the Constitutional Council’s decision on social media, urging a timely presidential election. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also emphasized the need for an inclusive and transparent election by Senegal’s constitution.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged President Sall to adhere to the election timetable. It called for competent authorities to set a date per the Constitutional Council’s decision. President Sall, in power since 2012, is expected to conclude his two terms on April 2, and elections, as per the constitution, must be held 30-45 days before the end of his mandate.
In an attempt to ease tensions, the government has released several hundred political prisoners this week. The opposition suggests that releasing all prisoners and initiating talks between the opposition and the president could defuse the situation and establish an early election date.
