Senegal’s local elections: El Malick Ndiaye rejects any delay

Political tensions rise as local election date remains uncertain

Tensions surrounding the scheduling of Senegal’s upcoming local elections have intensified after prominent political figures weighed in on the matter. Among them, El Malick Ndiaye, a key member of the opposition, has categorically rejected the possibility of postponing the vote.

During a recent public event in Linguère, where he welcomed Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s nationwide membership drive, Ndiaye emphasized the inevitability of the elections. « No one can postpone them, » he declared firmly, using the Wolof phrase “Beug beuré, bagn beuré” to underscore his stance.

The deputy drew a direct link between the surge in Pastef’s membership registrations and the growing pressure for an electoral timeline. « Our membership card sales are shaking the country—positively, » he stated. « People across Senegal are rushing to buy Pastef membership cards, and this momentum could influence the election date. »

Calls for presidential action grow louder

Ndiaye’s remarks follow closely on the heels of Ousmane Sonko’s own appeal to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Speaking in Louga, Sonko urged the head of state to issue a decree setting the date for the local elections, asserting that this falls squarely within the president’s constitutional powers.

« The president can issue a decree to dismiss officials like Fadilou Keïta and Waly Diouf Bodiang—that’s undisputed, » Sonko argued. « But he must also take a decree to set the election date. Both are within his authority. »

Uncertainty fuels political debate

The lack of a confirmed date for Senegal’s local elections has sparked widespread speculation and debate among political leaders. While some factions advocate for a delay, others, like Ndiaye and Sonko, insist the vote must proceed as scheduled. Their insistence reflects broader concerns about governance and electoral transparency in the country.