Senegal’s Presidential Election Postponed Indefinitely Amidst Controversy and Opposition Outrage
In a surprising turn of events, Senegal’s President, Macky Sall, has announced the indefinite postponement of the country’s presidential election, which was originally scheduled for 25 February. This decision, made just hours before the official campaigning was set to begin, has sparked outrage among opposition figures and even led to a ministerial resignation.
President Sall cited a dispute between the national assembly and the constitutional court over the rejection of candidates as the reason behind the postponement. The integrity of two constitutional council judges involved in the election process has been called into question, prompting lawmakers to launch an investigation. In his address to the nation on Saturday, Sall stated, “I will begin an open national dialogue to bring together the conditions for a free, transparent, and inclusive election.” However, he did not provide a new date for the election.
According to Senegal’s election code, there must be a minimum of 80 days between the publication of the decree setting the date and the actual election. Therefore, the earliest a vote could now be held is late April. This indefinite postponement marks the first time in Senegal’s history that a presidential election has been delayed, further escalating the already mounting political tension in the country.
Shortly after President Sall’s announcement, Abdou Latif Coulibaly, the secretary general of the government and its spokesperson, resigned from his position. Coulibaly stated that he wanted to have “full and complete freedom” to defend his political convictions. His resignation highlights the deep divisions and growing discontent within the government.
The indefinite postponement of the presidential election has not gone unnoticed by international bodies. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the delay and called for dialogue to resolve the issues and expedite the process of setting a new date. The United States State Department also urged Senegal to swiftly determine a date for a “timely, free, and fair election.”
The original plan for the election, as set by President Sall in a November 2023 decree, included 20 candidates vying for the presidency. However, two major opposition figures were excluded from the race, causing further controversy and dissatisfaction among the opposition. One of the opposition leaders, Thierno Alassane Sall, condemned the postponement as “high treason towards the Republic” and called on “patriots and republicans” to oppose it.
It is worth noting that President Sall had already announced that he would not be a candidate in this election. Instead, he designated the prime minister, Amadou Ba, from his own party, as his would-be successor. This decision was seen as an attempt to maintain continuity within the ruling party while avoiding accusations of seeking a third term.
As Senegal awaits a new date for the presidential election, the country finds itself in a state of political uncertainty and heightened tensions. The indefinite postponement has raised concerns about the democratic process and the future of governance in Senegal. Only time will tell how this controversy will unfold and what it means for the country’s political landscape.