Sonko criticises delayed local election decree in Senegal

In a fiery address during his recent tour of Ndiambour, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko sharply criticised the government for its failure to set a firm date for upcoming local elections. Speaking to a large crowd in the heart of the region, Sonko drew striking parallels between the president’s authority to issue decrees and the recent, controversial removals of key officials—namely Fadilou Keïta from the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Waly Diouf Bodiang from the helm of the Port Autonome de Dakar.

« Issuing decrees to dismiss officials is well within the president’s powers—no one disputes that, » Sonko remarked. « But if the executive can act swiftly to remove leaders, why delay a decree to set the election date? These are both matters of simple governance. » His remarks underscore the mounting frustration over the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the electoral calendar.

Sonko’s visit to Ndiambour was marked by robust public turnout, reflecting widespread concern over the electoral process. He reiterated his stance against any postponement of the local polls, a position he has consistently maintained since launching his voter card distribution campaign in late July. The urgency of the situation has only intensified, with electoral expert Djibril Gningue warning that the president must act within days to avoid breaching legal deadlines.

The standoff between the executive and legislative branches has deepened, further complicating the electoral timeline. As of now, no decree has been issued to convene the electorate, leaving the political landscape in a state of suspended anticipation. The absence of official action has amplified tensions, with Sonko’s latest remarks serving as a direct challenge to the administration’s handling of the electoral process.