The Senegalese government has officially declared March 24 as the new date for the highly anticipated presidential election, following a period of political unrest and opposition protests.
This announcement came through a communique issued on Wednesday after a crucial meeting of the Council of Ministers, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s electoral journey.
The decision follows President Macky Sall’s unexpected postponement of the election for 10 months in early February, as he nears the end of his second term and faces constitutional term limits. The original date of February 25 was rescheduled, triggering widespread chaos and opposition-led demonstrations across Senegal’s streets.
The election delay stirred uncertainty and raised concerns about democracy and governance in Senegal. However, the intervention of the Constitutional Council, the country’s highest election authority, has been pivotal.
The Council rejected President Sall’s postponement decision and instructed the government to promptly announce a new election date.
In the communique issued after the Council of Ministers’ meeting on Wednesday, government spokesperson Abdou Karim Fofana stated, “The President of the Republic has informed the Council of Ministers about the scheduled date for the presidential election, set for Sunday, March 24, 2024.”
Furthermore, the President informed the Prime Minister and ministers about the formation of a new Government, signifying a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political landscape.
