Senegal postpones presidential election indefinitely

Senegal has indefinitely postponed the eagerly anticipated presidential election scheduled for February 25, drawing criticism from presidential candidates.

President Macky Sall, in announcing the postponement without specifying a new date, emphasized his commitment to abstain from seeking re-election.

Sall cited concerns about the exclusion of certain contestants as potentially damaging to the integrity of the voting process.

In response, President Sall outlined plans to initiate an “open national dialogue” aimed at establishing conditions conducive to a free, transparent, and inclusive election, fostering a peaceful and reconciled Senegal.

The Constitutional Council’s decision to disqualify numerous aspirants, including high-profile politicians, amidst heightened tension, prompted accusations of a constitutional coup from opposition figure Khalifa Sall, a former Dakar mayor.

Expressing concern over the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) urged competent authorities to expedite necessary processes for setting a new election date.

Notably, excluded candidates such as Ousmane Sonko, facing legal trials, and Karim Wade, the son of a former president barred due to dual citizenship, have heightened scrutiny of the government’s perceived selectivity in election guidelines, a charge the government has vehemently denied.