ECOWAS Urges Senegal To Comply With Constitutional Council Decision

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged stakeholders at the centre of Senegal’s election exercise to comply with the Constitutional Council’s decision.

The Council  yesterday cancelled a decree by President Macky Sall that postponed the election which was originally scheduled to take place on February 25, 2024.

The West African bloc has thus encouraged the relevant authorities to set a new date for the election.

“The Commission urges all stakeholders in the electoral process to comply with the decision of the Constitutional Council and calls on the competent authorities to set a date for the presidential election in accordance with the decision,” it said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, the political class and all stakeholders have been directed to exercise restraint and give priority to inclusive dialogue to preserve the democratic gains of Senegal.

President Sall caused a stir on February 3 when he announced a decision to postpone their election to December 15, a decree that was controversially approved by the country’s National Assembly which also extended his tenure which will end on April 2.

The President premised the decision on the rejection of the candidature of some political representatives.

In a ruling on February 15, the Constitutional Council of Senegal said the announcement was “contrary to the constitution”.