Senegal’s President Macky Sall has committed to promptly organizing presidential elections following the Constitutional Council’s decision to overturn his earlier postponement of the vote. The council deemed the postponement unconstitutional, voiding the government’s decree and emphasizing the fixed nature of the presidential term.
In response to the council’s ruling, President Sall affirmed his intent to adhere to the decision, initiating consultations to expedite the electoral process. This move comes amid growing political turmoil sparked by the postponement, which has led to protests and arrests across the country.
Opposition figures welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a restoration of Senegal’s democratic norms. Meanwhile, regional bloc ECOWAS has urged authorities to set a new election date in line with the court’s ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.
The council’s decision coincided with the release of several government opponents from prison, possibly as a gesture to defuse tensions. However, key opposition figures, including Ousmane Sonko, remain incarcerated, highlighting ongoing political tensions.
Despite the challenges, Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law remains resilient, with the hope that the electoral process will proceed smoothly, restoring stability and legitimacy to the country’s political landscape.
