The African Union (AU) has called for Senegal to promptly conduct its presidential elections following President Macky Sall’s recent decision to postpone the scheduled Feb. 25 vote to an unspecified date, marking the first such delay in the nation’s history.
In response to Sall’s announcement, which has stirred controversy and accusations of an “institutional coup” from opposition and civil society groups, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement late Sunday advocating for expeditious, transparent, and peaceful elections.
Mahamat emphasised, “Senegal should organise the elections as soon as possible, in transparency, peace, and national harmony.”
He added, “It (AU) strongly encourages all political and social forces to resolve any political dispute through civilised consultation, understanding, and dialogue.”
The development comes amidst Senegal’s lawmakers preparing to deliberate on Monday regarding a proposal aimed at rescheduling the presidential vote for Aug. 25.
This proposal, outlined in a bill seen by Reuters, also entails keeping President Sall in power until his successor assumes office.
The situation underscores the pressing need for democratic processes to proceed smoothly in Senegal, with the AU emphasising the importance of adherence to constitutional norms and the peaceful resolution of political tensions.
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