Senegal postpones much-anticipated February 25 election
The much-anticipated presidential election in Senegal on February 25 has been postponed indefinitely, sparking criticism among presidential candidates.
President Macky Sall of Senegal has announced the postponement without setting a new date for the race. However, the two-term president has reiterated his commitment that he would not be seeking re-election.
Mr Sall explained that troubled conditions of leaving out some contestants could “gravely hurt” the voting process.
He added that he would start “an open national dialogue… to create the conditions for a free, transparent and inclusive election in a peaceful and reconciled Senegal”.
The constitutional council had prevented many aspirants, including several high-profile politicians from running amid soaring tension.
One of the main oppositions in the election, Khalifa Sall, who was a former mayor of Dakar, the capital, described the postponement as a constitutional coup.
He also called for protest as his party vowed to drag the Senegalese authorities to court.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) expressed its worries over the situation.
It also urged “the competent authorities to expedite the various processes,” to set a new date for the poll.
Recall that several candidates were left out of the poll including the popular opposition, Ousmane Sonko who has been facing legal trials.
Karim Wade, the son of a former president, is another prominent candidate who failed to make the final list. He was prevented from the poll due to his dual citizenship.
Critics have faulted the government for being selective in its election guidelines for candidates. The government has since denied this.
