Senegal election delay ruled unlawful

Senegal election delay ruled unlawful

Senegal’s highest court has ruled that the decision to delay this month’s elections goes against the country’s constitution.

The Constitutional Court annulled President Macky Sall’s decree and a controversial bill passed by parliament, which sought to postpone the vote to December.

The postponement has sparked widespread protests in the West African nation, once hailed as a stronghold of democracy in the region.

Opposition figures have condemned the move, labelling it an “institutional coup.”

President Sall cited concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates as the reason for delaying the election.

While his proposal was supported by 105 out of 165 Members of Parliament, a last-minute amendment extended the postponement from six to ten months, setting the new date for December 15th.

Despite reiterating that he has no intention of seeking reelection, critics accuse Sall of either attempting to hold onto power or unfairly influencing his successor.

Opposition candidates and lawmakers will likely feel vindicated by the court’s decision.