The African Union expressed its approval on Friday of Senegal’s resolve to conduct the presidential election on March 24, bringing relief after weeks of uncertainty sparked by a delayed vote.
This endorsement follows similar sentiments from the United States and the European Union, as President Macky Sall’s abrupt postponement of the presidential poll, initially slated for February 25, thrust Senegal into one of its most significant crises in decades.
After a month of turmoil that triggered domestic and international outcry, the country’s top constitutional body reached an agreement with the presidency on Thursday, determining that the election would occur on March 24, aligning with the end of President Sall’s mandate on April 2.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, commended “the peaceful resolution of the institutional crisis in Senegal,” highlighting that the decision to hold the election before President Sall’s departure underscores the enduring strength of democracy in Senegal, a source of pride for Africa.
The African Union also announced plans to deploy an observation mission.
The European Commission echoed similar sentiments, with spokeswoman Nabila Massrali noting on Thursday that the decision showcased the “great resilience” of democracy and the rule of law in Senegal.
The EU called for a “peaceful electoral campaign and… the holding of credible and transparent elections.”
The United States, through a message posted on the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs’ X account (formerly Twitter), expressed solidarity with the Senegalese people, emphasizing their steadfast commitment to democracy and free and fair elections.
As Senegal embarks on what is arguably its most open presidential vote in modern history, featuring 19 candidates in the first round, the traditionally stable West African nation enters a critical phase.
The date of the second round remains undisclosed. The campaign period commences on Saturday and concludes on Friday, March 22, spanning the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and deviating from Senegal’s electoral code, which prescribes a 21-day campaign duration.
