The decision to postpone Senegal’s presidential election, originally slated for February 25, has drawn condemnation from both the United States and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa.
Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the US State Department, expressed deep concern over the delay, emphasizing that it contradicts Senegal’s longstanding democratic principles. He stressed the importance of upholding democratic traditions in the country.
“The United States is deeply concerned by actions taken to delay Senegal’s February 25 presidential election, which run contrary to Senegal’s strong democratic tradition.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the CDD denounced the postponement, highlighting its adverse impact on the electoral process and the democratic rights of the Senegalese people.
“We therefore urge the Senegalese government to respect the sanctity of the democratic process. Elections are the foundation of democracy, allowing citizens to exercise their right to choose their leaders,” it said.
In response to the situation, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, called on the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the growing human rights and rule of law concerns in Senegal.
