Sonko challenges president over electoral decree delays

In a high-profile address in the heart of the Ndiambour region, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko issued a sharp critique of the government’s handling of upcoming local elections. Sonko, who heads the Patriotes movement, emphasized the president’s authority to issue a decree setting a clear election date, drawing parallels with recent high-profile dismissals.

« Issuing a decree to remove officials like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within the president’s powers—no one disputes that. Yet the same decisive action must be taken to finalize the election date. These are both matters of decree, » Sonko stated, referencing the sudden replacement of Waly Diouf Bodiang as head of the Port autonome de Dakar during a recent Council of Ministers meeting. He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Fadilou Keïta’s abrupt departure from the Caisse des dépôts et consignations, despite his public refusal to step down.

Sonko’s public remarks came amid a surge of political activity in the capital of the Ndiambour region, where he was greeted by a massive turnout. His visit underscored his unwavering stance against any postponement of the local elections, a position he has consistently reinforced since launching his voter registration campaign at the end of July. As tensions rise, electoral expert Djibril Gningue warns that the president has only a narrow window—just a few days—to sign the necessary decree before the legal framework for holding the vote becomes unworkable.

The direct appeal to the president by the Assembly’s speaker reflects the deepening institutional friction between the executive and legislative branches. To date, no decree has been published to formally convene the electorate, leaving the electoral process in a state of limbo and amplifying concerns over potential delays.