Senegalese President Macky Sall pledged to hold the delayed presidential election “as soon as possible” following a ruling by the nation’s top court. The Constitutional Council overruled Sall’s decision to postpone the February 25th vote, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing political upheaval.
Sall’s last-minute maneuver to push the election to December sparked widespread outrage and protests, plunging Senegal into its worst crisis in decades. The move, viewed by many as a power grab, ignited tensions in the usually stable West African nation. The Constitutional Council’s decision on Thursday effectively nullified the postponement, throwing the country back into uncertainty but offering hope for a swift resolution.
“The president intends to fully comply with the Constitutional Council’s decision,” declared the presidency in a statement. “Consultations will be held without delay to organize the presidential election as soon as possible.”
Sall, who has governed since 2012, justified the delay by citing disputes over disqualified candidates and fears of renewed unrest similar to that seen in 2021 and 2023. Despite Parliament’s approval of the December date, the process was marred by controversy, with security forces removing opposing lawmakers from the session. The move was widely perceived as a ploy to extend Sall’s term beyond its April 2nd expiration date.
The court’s ruling, however, brought a sigh of relief for many. Violent demonstrations over the postponement had claimed three lives, and a tense atmosphere gripped the capital Dakar. With the ruling, calls for further protests fizzled out, replaced by a cautious optimism.
Opposition leaders had fiercely condemned Sall’s actions, labeling them a “constitutional coup” driven by fears of his chosen candidate, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, losing the election. While Sall has repeatedly stated his refusal to seek a third term, the delay fueled skepticism and accusations of manipulation.
With the Constitutional Council reaffirming the fixed five-year presidential term, Senegal now faces the crucial task of organizing a swift and credible election. The court’s decision has served as a critical step towards restoring stability and upholding democratic principles, but the coming weeks will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process.
