The Open Society Foundations welcome the decision of Senegal’s Constitutional Council on February 15, 2024, declaring Law No. 4/2024, which purported to postpone the presidential election to December 15, 2024, unconstitutional and canceling Decree No. 2024-106 signed on February 3, 2024, which repealed the decree convening the electorate for the presidential election of February 25, 2024. The council’s decision annulled all administrative and executive actions to postpone the elections and ordered the relevant government authorities to organize the elections as soon as possible.
Open Society congratulates the people of Senegal and leaders across the political divide for their commitment to implement this decision in line with Senegal’s Constitution and electoral laws. We urge all stakeholders to ensure the upcoming electoral process is peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent.
“The Constitutional Council’s landmark decision reaffirms the country’s commitment to the rule of law and Senegal’s reputation as a bastion of democracy and promoter of open societies in Africa. The next step is for the national institutions in charge of the electoral process to uphold the Constitutional Council’s decision, urgently announce the new dates of the polls, and organize free, fair, and credible elections consistent with the relevant Senegalese, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union (AU) norms and standards,” said Binaifer Nowrojee, vice president of the Open Society Foundations.
We also commend the government of Senegal for the steps taken to release hundreds of political prisoners. This will foster peace, social cohesion, and reconciliation among the Senegalese population. We urge the government to take the necessary additional steps to immediately conduct an independent investigation and, where necessary, prosecute the individuals responsible for serious human rights violations committed since the start of the political impasse, which includes the unlawful killing of more than 60 Senegalese civilians by security forces.
Open Society calls upon the AU, ECOWAS, and the international community to support and accompany Senegal on its democratic journey by providing the country with the necessary assistance before, during, and after the elections. For our part, we commit to continue supporting the people and government of Senegal to defend and uphold their long-standing democratic tradition.
Malick Mb. Fall, program officer of Democratic Participation and Practice, said: “The developments in Senegal are a reminder of the importance of establishing and supporting strong and independent institutions committed to strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Africa, as well as the role of informed, engaged, and active citizenry. Senegal also highlights the urgent need for practical steps to include African youth and women in shaping the trajectory and future of democracy in Africa and the world.”
The Open Society Foundations have a long-standing history of supporting efforts in Africa, including Senegal, to promote democracy, the rule of law, and constitutionalism to contribute toward building more inclusive, stable, and open societies.