Senegal’s President Macky Sall has committed to holding the presidential election without undue delay following the Constitutional Council’s decision to nullify the postponement of the vote initially set for February 25th.
The nation’s top legal authority on Thursday, February 15th, found the government’s effort to reschedule the election for December 15th as unconstitutional, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the scheduled five-year presidential term.
This announcement has been welcomed by opposition leaders and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging a swift organization of the election in line with the court’s directive.
Former Prime Minister Aminata Toure said, “This is a decision that puts Senegal back on track. I’m not surprised because everything that was happening was too big.”
Anta Babacar, one of the opposition leaders, stated, “We are actually very, very proud of our Constitutional Council, and it shows that there is at least a little bit of democracy and justice that’s left in our country.”
On February 3rd, President Sall announced the postponement of the election date, originally set for February 25th, citing concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates.
His proposal garnered support from 105 out of 165 MPs after a heated debate, during which police removed some opposition MPs from the chamber.
Initially, a six-month postponement was suggested, but a last-minute amendment extended it to 10 months, setting a new election date of December 15th.
President Sall reiterated that he had no intention of seeking reelection. However, his critics accused him of either attempting to retain power or unfairly influencing his successor.
The Constitutional Council’s verdict, which revoked the government’s delay, underscores the council’s stance on maintaining constitutional integrity.
The ruling, supported by all seven members of the council, highlighted the National Assembly’s decision as contradictory to the constitution.
“The constitutional council, noting the impossibility of organizing the presidential election on the date initially planned, invites the competent authorities to hold it as soon as possible,” the judgment articulated, reaffirming the immovable nature of the presidential term.
The announcement has led to a thaw in political tensions, manifesting in the release of several jailed government critics in what appears to be an effort by Sall to mollify public dissent.
Among those released were key figures from the opposition movement “Y’en a marre” (I’m fed up) and the dissolved opposition party Pastef.
“Most of my clients in politically motivated cases have been released,” stated lawyer Cheikh Koureissi Ba, indicating a broader move towards easing political strife.
The court’s decision comes against the backdrop of recent unrest that saw three fatalities and numerous arrests during protests against the election’s postponement.
Opposition and civil society groups are rallying for more demonstrations, with a peaceful march planned by a civil society collective.
