Senegal’s Constitutional Council Void President’s Postponement of Presidential Election
In a surprising turn of events, Senegal’s top election authority has declared President Macky Sall’s postponement of the presidential election as unconstitutional. The election, which was initially scheduled for February 25, was rescheduled for December by the National Assembly. However, the Constitutional Council ruled that both the president’s decree and the parliamentary bill were contrary to the constitution.
The decision by the Constitutional Council came after opposition presidential candidates and lawmakers filed legal challenges against the parliamentary bill. Critics argued that the bill, which also extended President Sall’s mandate, amounted to an “institutional coup.” The move sparked uproar and protests in the country, with concerns about potential unrest similar to what was witnessed in 2021 and 2023.
President Sall’s decision to postpone the election was met with resistance from opposition lawmakers. Security forces stormed the National Assembly building and removed some opposition members who opposed the bill. The violent protests that followed resulted in three deaths and numerous arrests. Senegal’s international partners expressed their condemnation of the move and urged the government to hold the election as soon as possible, fearing further violence.
In an attempt to appease public opinion, several government opponents were released from prison earlier on Thursday. Lawyers representing these individuals confirmed their release, which seemed to be a response to international pressure. Among those released were Aliou Sane, the coordinator of the citizens’ opposition movement “Y’en a marre” (“We’re fed up”), Djamil Sane, the mayor of a Dakar neighborhood, and members of the dissolved opposition party Pastef, led by prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko.
However, there is still no news regarding the possible release of Sonko and his second in command, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who have been detained since 2023. The situation remains tense in Senegal, with opposition and civil society groups calling for further demonstrations.
The decision by the Constitutional Council to void President Sall’s postponement of the presidential election has raised concerns about Senegal’s democratic record. As one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, the country is facing a crisis that could have far-reaching consequences. The international community is closely watching the developments in Senegal, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful and fair election process.
In conclusion, Senegal’s Constitutional Council has made a significant ruling by voiding President Macky Sall’s postponement of the presidential election. The decision has sparked protests and condemnation from both domestic and international actors. The release of some government opponents may be seen as a gesture to ease tensions, but the situation remains volatile. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of democracy in Senegal.