Senegal/Postponement of the presidential election: A constitutional coup d’état approved by ECOWAS
In the ECOWAS space, the top headline revolves around the postponement of the presidential election in Senegal, announced by President Macky Sall on Saturday, January 3, 2024. This presidential decision has ignited the anger of citizens, manifested through a demonstration organized by some candidates on Sunday.
The public outcry led to arrests and the dispersal of protesters with tear gas, orchestrated by military forces mobilized for the occasion.
Hundreds of Senegalese citizens took to the streets to express their disagreement with the decision to postpone the election, a move deemed a «constitutional coup» by the protesters but endorsed by some heads of state.
In response to this decision, the ECOWAS Commission has expressed concern about the circumstances that led to the postponement of the presidential election initially scheduled for February 25.
Despite significant opposition from a substantial portion of the Senegalese population, ECOWAS approves the decision and urges authorities to set a new date.
The African Union (AU) Commission, on the other hand, has called on authorities to expedite the organization of the election due to the disturbances that followed the announcement.
The Senegalese authorities justified their decision by citing issues surrounding the list of candidates.
President Macky Sall specifically mentioned the conflict between the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly following the disqualification of the candidacy of Karim Wade, considered a dual citizen.
He also expressed the intention to organize an inclusive, credible, transparent, and peaceful election. 
While the ECOWAS Commission’s stance of tolerance and understanding is applied to Senegal, it raises questions about the consistency of this approach across all member countries facing challenges in organizing inclusive and credible elections.
Unfortunately, this seems to be an exception rather than the rule. In other circumstances, leaders, in lieu of President Sall, might have faced the wrath of ECOWAS leaders for not adhering to the constitutionally prescribed election date.
Such inconsistencies may jeopardize the organization’s longevity and the achievement of its objectives.
Maurice K.ZONGO
