He cited corruption allegations against two members of the
constitutional council and problems with the candidate list as the reasons for
the postponement of the earlier scheduled election.
The postponement received rejection from members of the
opposition and several protests were staged to oppose the decision.
The opposition party viewed the postponement as “an
institutional coup”, adding that it would extend Sall’s mandate beyond the
constitutional stipulation.
This also led to the disconnection of internet service
across the country.
In February, the Senegalese constitutional council, a body
responsible for screening candidates for the presidency, declared the election
postponement as “illegal”.
In a communique by the council of ministers, they stressed
the need to ensure Sall’s mandate is not “reduced or lengthened according to
political circumstances, whatever or the objective pursued”.
“After the transmission on the same day to the constitutional
council of a referral, for opinion, on the conclusions, recommendations and
proposals of the national dialogue relating to: (i) the setting of the date of
the presidential election; (ii) the possible examination of candidacies for the
presidential election; (iii) the arrangements to be taken upon the expiry of
the mandate of the president of the Republic, on April 2, 2024,” the statement
reads.
“The president of the
Republic informed the council of ministers of the setting of the date of the
presidential election for Sunday, March 24, 2024.”
Sall removed Amadou Ba who is currently contesting the
presidential position under the ruling coalition as prime minister.
He appointed Sidiki Kaba, former minister of home affairs,
as the new prime minister of Senegal.
