Sonko urges president to set date for Senegal local polls

Sonko challenges Faye to act on local election date

Louga — Ousmane Sonko, leader of Pastef Les Patriotes and Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, used a visit to Louga on Saturday to press President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the scheduling of upcoming local elections.

During a campaign stop in northern Senegal as part of his party’s voter registration drive, Sonko addressed a large crowd of supporters and party activists. He drew a direct parallel between presidential decrees appointing or dismissing officials and the decree needed to set the election date.

« Whether dismissing officials like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within his powers is beyond dispute. But just as easily, he can—and must—issue a decree to fix the election date. Both actions are matters of simple administrative decrees, » Sonko declared to thunderous applause.

The Pastef leader has repeatedly warned against any delay in holding the local elections. In Louga, he suggested that the delay in announcing the poll date may stem from the president’s perceived fear of his party’s growing momentum.

« The president appears concerned by the energy and mobilization of Senegal’s patriots. That vigor is precisely why the vote must take place without further delay, » Sonko asserted.