Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa News
Published on 2024-02-16 15:00:30
The Senegalese political landscape was thrown into upheaval when the Parliament voted to postpone the presidential election on February 5th, only to have their decision overturned by the country’s constitutional council on Thursday, February 15th. This ruling not only invalidated the National Assembly’s decision to reschedule the vote for December 15, but it also extended President Macky Sall’s rule, which was set to end on April 2nd. The constitutional council deemed the bill adopted by the national assembly as “contrary to the constitution,” much to the delight of the opposition candidates who had filed a case to the council.
However, the opposition’s victory was not complete, as the council ruled that it was impossible to organize the election for the initially scheduled February 25th date. Instead, the judges ordered the competent authorities to reschedule the poll as soon as possible, eliciting mixed reactions from the public.
Notably, the ruling of the Constitutional Council came shortly after the liberation of several detainees who were widely seen as political prisoners. Among those released were members of citizen movements and supporters of the now dissolved Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko. There were reports that President Sall was in negotiations with Sonko for an early release in an effort to ease the prevailing tension in Senegal.
In response to the constitutional council’s ruling, President Macky Sall pledged on Friday, February 16th to organize the presidential elections “as soon as possible.” This announcement came after the council overruled his decision to delay the February 25th vote.
The political turmoil in Senegal has brought to light the deep divisions within the country’s leadership and the intense public pressure surrounding the upcoming presidential election. The constitutional council’s intervention has further complicated an already contentious situation, leading to heightened tensions within the political sphere.
As the nation awaits the rescheduling of the presidential election, it is clear that Senegal is at a critical crossroads. The decisions made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the future of the country and have lasting implications for its political stability. The council’s ruling has set the stage for a period of uncertainty and transition, and the eyes of the nation and the international community are on Senegal as it navigates this pivotal moment in its history.
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