The apex court of Senegal took a decisive step yesterday, overturning the government’s recent postponement of the presidential election slated for February 25 and its subsequent rescheduling for December.
The court ruled these actions unconstitutional, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape. According to the judgment endorsed by seven members of the Constitutional Council, and obtained by News Central, the decree issued by President Macky Sall to delay the election was invalidated.
Recall that Senegalese President Macky Sall postponed the presidential elections, originally scheduled for February 25, 2024, through a decree announced on Saturday, February 3, President Sall cited controversies surrounding the disqualification of certain candidates and allegations of corruption in election-related cases as reasons for the postponement. This decision sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Furthermore, the National Assembly’s resolution on Feb. 5 to shift the voting date to December 15 was deemed unconstitutional. “The constitutional council, noting the impossibility of organising the presidential election on the date initially planned, invites the competent authorities to hold it as soon as possible,” the judgment emphasised the urgency of organising the election in adherence to constitutional principles.
This decision by Senegal’s highest legal authority underscores the importance of upholding constitutional norms and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
