ECOWAS Commission Urges Senegal to Revert to Original Electoral Schedule

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is urging Senegal’s political leadership to promptly restore the electoral calendar to align with the country’s constitutional provisions. In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the ECOWAS Commission emphasized the importance of adhering to Senegal’s constitution and cautioned against any actions or statements that might violate its principles.

Furthermore, the ECOWAS Commission reminded both the citizens of Senegal and its political stakeholders of their duty to uphold peace and stability within the nation. This call comes amidst a significant development in Senegal’s political landscape—the postponement of the presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2024.

President Macky Sall announced the postponement in a televised address to the nation, citing electoral issues that could potentially lead to disputes as the reason for the decision. The move has sparked controversy and raised concerns among opposition parties and civil society groups, who view it as a departure from democratic norms and have labeled it an “institutional coup.”

The decision to delay the election follows the constitutional council’s ruling in January to exclude certain prominent candidates from the electoral list, a decision that has fueled discontent among various segments of the population.

With less than a month remaining until the scheduled election date, Senegal finds itself in uncharted territory, navigating complex constitutional and political challenges. The ECOWAS Commission’s intervention underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process in Senegal.

As the country grapples with these issues, there is a growing need for dialogue and consensus-building among all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and uphold democratic values. The ECOWAS Commission’s statement serves as a reminder of the regional organization’s commitment to supporting democratic governance and stability across West Africa.