Senegal’s constitutional court has thrown the election season into greater uncertainty after ruling on Thursday that a law delaying the presidential vote was unconstitutional.
The decision came after nearly 60 opposition lawmakers and seven presidential candidates challenged the law, which had pushed back the election from February 25th to a yet-to-be-determined date.
Court dismisses justification for delay
The court ruled that the law, passed by the ruling coalition, violated the constitution. The contested article stipulates that presidential elections must be held within specific timeframes before the end of the incumbent’s term.
The government had argued that the delay was necessary due to an “alleged case of corruption involving judges,” which had sparked a dispute between the parliament and the Constitutional Council. However, the court deemed this justification insufficient.
New election date needed
The court acknowledged that the February 25th date was no longer possible, but urged authorities to set a new date “as soon as possible.” This leaves the electoral process in limbo, raising concerns about potential delays and pre-election disputes.
ID/ac/lb/abj/APA