ECOWAS, AU commend Senegal’s preparedness for peaceful legislative elections

In the lead-up to Senegal’s November 17, 2024, legislative elections, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) praised the country’s readiness and commitment to democratic processes.

The heads of the ECOWAS and AU Election Observation Missions (EOMs), Ambassador Francis Alex Tsegah and Ambassador Aristide Calixte Mbari, met with 104 observers set to monitor the elections and engaged key electoral stakeholders during a series of visits in Dakar on November 15.

The joint EOMs emphasized the importance of conducting peaceful, credible, and transparent elections, underscoring their role in consolidating democracy across Africa. The ambassadors commended Senegal for the calm that marked the electoral campaigns and acknowledged the effective preparations by the Directorate General of Elections (DGE) and the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA).

Ambassadors Tsegah and Mbari paid courtesy visits to the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, the DGE, and CENA. These engagements aimed to review election readiness, observer deployment plans, and the framework for ensuring credible results.

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“We applaud the Senegalese authorities for their exemplary preparations and the atmosphere of peace that has characterized this electoral process. These efforts demonstrate the country’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles,” the ambassadors stated.

During their meeting with observers, the mission heads reiterated the need for strict adherence to international best practices and Senegalese laws. Observers were urged to use the training and resources provided to ensure impartial and professional monitoring.

The joint ECOWAS-AU initiative reflects both organizations’ dedication to supporting peaceful transitions and credible governance across member states. With optimism for a successful electoral process, the missions reinforced their commitment to fostering democracy in Senegal and beyond.