In Senegal, the president, Macky Sele, announced the indefinite postponement of presidential elections

This is the first time since 1963 that a presidential election by direct universal suffrage has been postponed in Senegal. During a speech to the nation, Senegal’s head of state, Macky Salle, announced on Saturday 3 February the indefinite postponement of the 25 February presidential election. An ad that comes hours before the start of election campaigning.

“I signed the decree (…) canceling (one) Addressing the Electoral College » On 25 February, he announced the establishment of a parliamentary commission to investigate two Constitutional Council judges whose integrity in the electoral process was contested.

The Constitutional Council, which approved a list of twenty candidates for the presidential election, on the other hand, excluded dozens of contenders, including two opposition leaders, anti-establishment candidate Osmane Sonko, and Karim Wade, a minister and son of a former president. Abdulye Wade (2000-2012). The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the formation of a commission of inquiry into the process, after heated debates.

Members of the Pramukh camp voted in large numbers. This support caused trouble, with opponents of the outgoing president fearing plans to postpone the presidential election because the government feared losing it.

Mackie Saul vows not to run again

The president, Macky Sale, elected for seven years in 2012 and re-elected for five years in 2019, announced in July that he was not a candidate. He reiterated on Saturday that he will not contest the presidential election. “I will initiate an open national dialogue to create conditions for free, transparent and inclusive elections”

Mr Sal said in his speech without giving a date.

Also Read | In Senegal, parliamentary vote fuels speculation about presidential election

The former ruling party and its rejected candidate, Karim Wade, announced that they had presented to the National Assembly on Friday. “Adjournment Bill” February 25 Presidential Election. “Our parliamentary initiative was inspired by numerous incidents and protests that distorted the electoral process, highlighting serious flaws” And “Even more with elimination of candidates”The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), which leads a parliamentary group made up of 27 of the 165 deputies in the National Assembly, said in a press release.

The world with AFP