ECOWAS Calls on Senegal to Set a New Date for Presidential Elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called on Senegalese authorities today, Friday, to set a new date for the presidential elections in accordance with the Constitutional Council's ruling that postponing them is unconstitutional. The Senegalese government stated today that political parties in the country will need to consult to find a way forward after the Constitutional Council ruled that the unprecedented postponement of the presidential elections is inconsistent with the constitution. Earlier today, spokesperson Abdou Karim Fofana told a private radio station that "the government has been informed of the Council's decision, but it did not specify whether this means it will accept the decision." He indicated that various political parties will need to communicate with each other to find a way forward. The presidency has not yet announced whether it will comply with the ruling, but a spokesperson responded today to a question about a possible date for the elections. The spokesperson for the president told reporters that "the answer lies in the Constitutional Council's decision, which calls on the authorities to set a new date for organizing the elections as soon as possible."