Senegal's President, Macky Sall, has announced the indefinite postponement of the presidential election set for February 25. He made this announcement after signing a decree canceling the date due to an investigation into two Constitutional Council judges' integrity in the election process.
Sall, in a national address said, “I will start an open national dialogue to create the conditions for a free, transparent, and inclusive election,” without providing a new date.
This marks the first time a Senegalese presidential election has been postponed, arising from a disagreement between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court regarding rejected candidates.
On Sunday morning, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), released a statement urging the relevant authorities in Senegal to quickly decide on a new date for the postponed elections.
The statement read, “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States takes note of the decision that the Senegalese authorities have taken to postpone the presidential elections scheduled to take place on 25 February 2024.”
“The ECOWAS Commission expresses concern over the circumstances that have led to the postponement of the elections and appeals to the competent authorities to expedite the various processes in order to set a new date for the elections. The Commission further urges the entire political class to prioritise dialogue and collaboration for transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.
“The ECOWAS Commission salutes President Macky Sall for upholding his earlier decision not to run for another term and encourages him to continue to defend and protect Senegal’s long-standing democratic tradition.
