The ongoing discourse surrounding the timing of Senegal’s upcoming local elections has intensified. Following Ousmane Sonko’s direct appeal to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to establish a definitive election date, El Malick Ndiaye has now also asserted a resolute stance on the matter.
While hosting Ousmane Sonko in Linguère during Pastef’s membership card drive, the prominent deputy unequivocally stated that any deferral of these crucial elections must not be contemplated.
‘No one can push them back’
El Malick Ndiaye drew a clear connection between the significant public engagement witnessed during Pastef’s membership card sales and the current deliberations concerning the electoral schedule.
“Our membership card operations are positively galvanizing the nation. Across the country, citizens are eagerly acquiring Pastef membership cards, and this momentum could potentially influence the timing of the next elections,” he remarked.
However, the former President of the National Assembly asserted an unwavering stance on the conduct of the ballot.
“Yet, these elections cannot be postponed by anyone. ‘Beug beuré, bagn beuré’ – there will be a contest, whether they desire it or not,” he cautioned emphatically.
Following Sonko’s powerful declaration
This latest declaration from Ndiaye emerged just hours after Ousmane Sonko’s own significant statement made in Louga.
The Pastef leader had similarly urged the head of state to issue an official decree establishing the date for the upcoming local elections, emphasizing that this decision falls squarely within presidential prerogatives.
“Issuing a decree to dismiss individuals like Fadilou Keïta, Waly Diouf Bodiang and others is undeniably within the President’s powers. In the same vein, a decree must be issued to set the election date. These are all straightforward decrees,” Sonko had articulated.
These two high-profile interventions collectively amplify the political pressure surrounding the electoral calendar, particularly as the precise date for Senegal’s next local elections remains a subject of considerable debate and speculation within the nation’s political sphere.
