The African Union, alongside the United States and European Union, commended Senegal’s resolution to conduct a presidential election on March 24, following weeks of uncertainty stemming from the initial postponement of the vote by President Macky Sall, originally slated for February 25.
President Macky Sall’s eleventh-hour decision to delay the presidential poll created turmoil in Senegal. However, after a month of ambiguity and both domestic and international outcry, the country’s top constitutional body reached an agreement with the presidency to hold the election before the conclusion of Sall’s mandate on April 2.
Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, applauded “the peaceful resolution of the institutional crisis in Senegal.” He emphasized that the decision to conduct the election before Sall’s term ends signifies the enduring democracy in Senegal, a quality Africa has long celebrated. The African Union announced plans to deploy an observation mission during the election.
The European Commission, through spokeswoman Nabila Massrali, praised Senegal’s resilience in upholding democracy and the rule of law. The EU stressed the importance of a peaceful electoral campaign and the need for credible and transparent elections.
The United States, in a statement from the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, expressed solidarity with the Senegalese people in their commitment to
The United States notes Senegal’s decision to begin its delayed presidential election in March. We stand with the Senegalese people and their unwavering support for democracy and free and fair elections.
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) March 7, 2024
democracy and free and fair elections.
France acknowledged the role of Senegal’s Constitutional Council and President Sall in scheduling the March 24 election, noting that it underscores the strength of democratic institutions. The German foreign ministry affirmed that conditions for a free and democratic election had been established.
Senegal, traditionally a stable West African nation, is embarking on what could be its most open presidential election, featuring 19 candidates in the first round. The date for the second round has yet to be announced. The campaign period commences on Saturday and concludes on Friday, March 22, coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
