Senegal’s national dialogue commission proposes presidential election for June 2

Amidst an unprecedented political crisis in Senegal, the national dialogue commission is set to propose a delayed presidential election to be held on June 2.

Additionally, the commission recommends that President Macky Sall continue to serve until his successor is sworn in, according to commission member Ndiawar Paye.

The new date proposal followed President Sall’s two-day dialogue held to reduce tensions in the country.

His and parliament’s unsuccessful attempt to postpone the Feb. 25 poll by ten months triggered an uproar and predictions of democratic backsliding in one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

The recommendation will be given to Sall, who will make the final decision,” Paye told Reuters.

Several opposition members boycotted discussions in Dakar, with some demanding that the election take place before President Sall’s mandate expires in April.

Meanwhile, President Macky Sall is expected to present amnesty legislation before parliament as a way of reuniting the country after a series of unrests that have killed dozens in the past three years.

Scores of opposition supporters have also been arrested since 2021 amid the power struggle between top opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and the state.

The president added that the move will help “make it possible to pacify the political arena.”