Senegal’s Constitutional Crisis: Postponement of Presidential Election Undermines Democracy

Senegal’s presidential election, initially scheduled for February 25, 2024, has been postponed by President Macky Sall, sparking controversy and raising questions about the country’s commitment to democracy.

The decision has drawn criticism from international observers and civil society organizations, including Yiaga Africa, who argue that the move violates Senegal’s constitution and flouts the fundamental rights of its citizens.

According to the constitution of Senegal, the decision to postpone an election should be made by the Constitutional Council, not the National Assembly.

By passing a law to delay the presidential election, the National Assembly has undermined the democratic process and the rule of law.

This decision not only contradicts the ECOWAS Protocol A/SP1/12/01 on Democracy and Good Governance, which requires that no substantial electoral law reform occur within six months prior to the elections without the consent of a broad majority of political actors, but also threatens the integrity of the electoral process.

The postponement of the election is a setback for Senegal’s reputation as one of the most vibrant democracies in Africa. It risks setting back the progress that has been achieved over decades and puts the country on a dangerous path to dictatorship and political instability.

In light of these concerns, it is crucial that the Senegalese government, ECOWAS, and the African Union work together to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

In the face of these challenges, it is essential that the fundamental human rights of Senegalese citizens, including the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, are fully respected.

The international community must stand in solidarity with the people of Senegal and support their efforts to safeguard their democracy.

By doing so, we can help ensure that Senegal remains a beacon of hope for the West African sub-region and a model for stable and developed democracies on the African continent.