The presidential election in Senegal is still subject to persistent uncertainty, creating an atmosphere of suspense that divides the country’s political actors. Initially scheduled for February 25, the election was abruptly postponed by President Macky Sall, sparking contrasting reactions within the Senegalese political class.
Supporters of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, close to opponent Ousmane Sonko and validated candidate for the presidential election, reaffirmed their objective of seeing the vote held on April 2. The Diomaye President coalition has clearly expressed its desire to see the election take place before the end of the presidential term, demanding at the same time the release of their candidate to guarantee equal treatment.
On the other hand, the citizen collective Aar Sunu Election is campaigning for a rapid organization of the vote, from March 3 or 10, even at the cost of a shorter electoral campaign. For them, the current consultations should be limited to adjusting the electoral calendar with the candidates already validated by the Constitutional Council.
Within the presidential majority, voices in favor of an expanded national dialogue are being raised, arguing that a prior consensus would make it possible to avoid any dispute during the electoral process. This approach could, however, lengthen the delays, adding an additional dimension to the complexity of the situation.
Finally, the group of failed candidates, feeling aggrieved by the decisions of the Constitutional Council, is calling for a national consultation aimed at reforming the electoral law, which would involve restarting the candidate selection process. Among them, Karim Wade and his party, the PDS, have already expressed their preference for postponing the election.
In this turbulent and uncertain political context, Senegal remains in suspense, oscillating between different aspirations and visions regarding the organization of its presidential election. The path to consensus seems strewn with pitfalls, leaving doubt as to the final outcome of this electoral saga.