Senegal’s recent decision to postpone its February 2024 presidential election to December has drawn disapproval from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While not issuing a formal mandate, ECOWAS strongly urges Senegal to restore the original electoral calendar as it considered current circumstances “constitutional violations and democratic backsliding”. Critics, including opposition parties, view the delay as a manoeuvre by President Macky Sall to extend his rule beyond the two-term limit. Despite reassurances that he won’t seek a third term, the postponement fuels suspicion and raises questions about transparency. ECOWAS, committed to regional stability and upholding democratic principles, emphasises the importance of respecting constitutional frameworks and conducting timely elections. While the outcome remains uncertain, ECOWAS’s intervention highlights international scrutiny and potential consequences for Senegal’s democratic trajectory.
