DAKAR: Senegal’s President Macky Sall has indefinitely postponed the presidential election scheduled for February 25, just hours before the official commencement of campaigning. The decision comes as lawmakers investigate allegations questioning the integrity of two judges from the Constitutional Council involved in the election process.
In a national address, President Sall announced the signing of a decree abolishing the previously set election date. He expressed his commitment to initiating an open national dialogue to establish the necessary conditions for a free, transparent, and inclusive election. However, no new date for the election was provided.
Elections Postponed for First Time in Senegal
This marks the first time in Senegal’s history that a presidential election has been postponed. The election, initially set for February 25, featured 20 candidates, excluding two prominent opposition figures. President Sall, who had earlier declared he would not seek a third term, had consistently affirmed his intent to transfer power to the elected winner by early April.
Prime Minister Amadou Ba, nominated by President Sall from their party, was expected to be the successor. However, the election process faced controversy as the Constitutional Council excluded numerous candidates, including Ousmane Sonko, a firebrand anti-system figure, and Karim Wade, the son of former president Abdoulaye Wade.
