Senegal’s local elections: Sonko pressures Faye on poll date

Pressure mounts on President Faye over local election date

Ousmane Sonko, leader of Senegal’s Pastef party, has intensified his call for the immediate scheduling of upcoming local elections during a campaign stop in Louga. The move comes as the party ramps up efforts to distribute voter cards ahead of the highly anticipated vote.

Addressing a large gathering of militants, Sonko directly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, questioning why decrees have been issued to remove certain public officials but not to establish a clear electoral timeline.

« Issuing a decree to dismiss Fadilou Keïta, Waly Diouf Bodiang and others falls within the president’s authority, and no one disputes that. However, the same urgency must apply to setting the election date. These are equally straightforward decrees, » Sonko declared.

No room for delays in local elections

Sonko has consistently opposed any postponement of the local elections, emphasizing the need for swift action from the government. During his speech in Louga, he reiterated that the absence of a fixed election date may stem from concerns within the ruling camp about the growing momentum behind the Pastef movement.

« The current energy and mobilization of our militants and supporters may be why some hesitate. But the people deserve clarity, and the president must act in line with his constitutional duties, » he added.

The debate over the election calendar continues to dominate political discussions in Senegal, with all stakeholders awaiting an official announcement. Sonko’s latest remarks position him as a key voice pushing for transparency and prompt action from the administration.