The United States government and Nigerian human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) have criticized Senegal’s decision to postpone its presidential election until December, as announced by the parliament.
The American government, through its spokesperson Matthew Miller, expressed deep concern over Senegal’s deviation from its strong democratic tradition with the postponement of the February 25, 2024, poll.
The U.S. condemned the reported use of force by security forces to remove parliamentarians who opposed the bill to delay the election, questioning the legitimacy of the resulting National Assembly vote.
In parallel, Femi Falana (SAN) urged the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to convene an extraordinary session promptly to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Senegal.
He proposed targeted sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes, on President Macky Sall and his government officials responsible for violating the democratic rights of the Senegalese people.
Falana emphasized that such sanctions align with ECOWAS treaties and protocols, citing Article 45(2) of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
He underscored the violation of electoral laws, particularly Article 2(1) & (2) of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, regarding the modification of laws before elections and adherence to fixed election dates.
Highlighting President Sall’s decision not to seek a third term and the subsequent manipulation of the electoral process to favor his chosen successor, Falana described the postponement as a constitutional coup.
He warned that this action not only undermines Senegal’s rule of law but also poses a threat to constitutional governments across the sub-region, especially amidst the planned exits of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from ECOWAS.
Moreover, Falana stressed the breach of the Lomé Declaration and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, both of which Senegal has ratified.
He referenced Article 3(h) of the African Union Constitutive Act, highlighting the rejection of unconstitutional changes during the 35th Ordinary Session of the OAU Assembly.
In conclusion, Falana emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and urged Senegal to honor its commitments to regional and international agreements.
