The President of the Republic Macky Sall addressed the Senegalese nation this Saturday, February 3, 2024, a few days before the presidential election initially scheduled for February 25. In his speech, he announced the repeal of the decree convening the electoral body, thus postponing the date of the poll.

The head of state justified this decision on two main grounds. The first concerns an open conflict against a backdrop of alleged corruption of constitutional judges. Macky Sall declared that light must be shed on this serious and confusing situation, stressing that it constituted a violation of the Constitution and could give rise to pre- and post-electoral disputes.

The second reason mentioned by President Sall concerns the case of a presidential candidate who holds dual nationality, which is also contrary to the Constitution.

Concerned with respecting the principle of separation of powers, Macky Sall declared that he could not intervene between the institutions. He took note of the referral from the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) on the question of the candidacy and, due to the deliberation in progress, signed the decree repealing the decree convening the electoral body.

President Sall also invited the National Assembly to continue its work.

Postponement of the presidential election

President Sall’s decision to postpone the presidential election is a first in the history of Senegal. The new date of the poll has not yet been specified.

The Head of State announced that he would convene a new inclusive dialogue bringing together all political forces in order to guarantee a transparent and peaceful election.