ECOWAS engages Senegal's power players ahead of presidential poll

As the countdown to Senegal’s pivotal presidential election on March 24, 2024, quickens its pace, the Head of the ECOWAS Presidential Election Observation Mission to Senegal, H.E. Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has been diligently fostering dialogues with key stakeholders in Dakar. His objective: to underscore the imperative of a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.

Professor Gambari, accompanied by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, commenced his diplomatic outreach with a crucial meeting with Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, S.E.M Mankeur Ndiaye. Here, he articulated the regional organization’s unwavering commitment to facilitating a poll that authentically mirrors the will of the Senegalese populace.

The deployment of 130 ECOWAS observers, both long and short-term, symbolizes the organization’s resolute dedication to ensuring a successful electoral journey.

Ndiaye, in response, assured the delegation of the Senegalese administration’s readiness to orchestrate a free, fair, and secure electoral process, replete with necessary resources and stringent security measures.

Continuing their engagement, the ECOWAS team convened with representatives from the Coalition of Civil Societies, delving into a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing sociopolitical landscape. Professor Gambari urged civil society actors not to relent in championing democratic principles but to leverage their influence to foster harmonious coexistence.

Representing the Civil Society Organizations, Mr. Djibril Gningue, Director General of the Programme to Support Educational Change and Transformation (PACTE), delineated pertinent challenges encountered in the electoral processes and ongoing efforts to mitigate them.

Prior engagements included meetings with Mr. Abdoulaye Sylla, President of the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA), Ambassadors of ECOWAS countries in Senegal, the dean of the African diplomatic corps, and Mr. Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center and veteran human rights advocate.

Moreover, ahead of the electoral fray, election observers underwent training on utilizing electronic tablets to transmit real-time data to the ECOWAS situation room on Election Day, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the monitoring process.

As Senegalese citizens abroad participate in shaping the destiny of their nation, the upcoming presidential election stands as a testament to Senegal’s enduring commitment to democratic ideals within the West African region.