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AU Urges Senegal to Hold Elections 'As Soon As Possible' After President Postpones Vote

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Senegalese flag - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 05.02.2024
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The statement came after Senegalese President Macky Sall revoked the decree convening the electoral council on February 25, meaning that the presidential election will not take place on that date.
The African Union calls on Senegal to hold transparent elections as soon as possible, AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement following the West African nation's president's announcement of the postponement.
"The Chairman of the Commission calls on the competent national authorities to organize the elections as soon as possible, in a spirit of transparency, peace and national harmony," the statement said.
The official added that the African Union encourages all political forces in Senegal to "resolve any political dispute through civilized consultation, understanding and dialogue."
According to the chairman, the political situation in Senegal "cannot leave any African indifferent."
A day earlier, Sall's decision to postpone the elections raised concerns at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, which called on Senegal's leadership to prioritize dialogue and cooperation for "inclusive and credible elections."
Senegalese flag - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.02.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
ECOWAS Concerned About Postponement of Presidential Election in Senegal
The president's signing of the decree came amid a legislative investigation of two Constitutional Council judges whose integrity in the election process has been questioned.
Earlier, Senegal's Constitutional Council approved 20 candidates for the presidential election, some of whom were hotly contested, in part because one of the candidates holds dual citizenship.
Sall announced his decision not to run for president in July 2023 in a televised address to the nation. He nominated the country's Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, as the ruling party's candidate for the election.
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