During a political tour in the northern city of Louga, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the ruling party Pastef Les Patriotes and Speaker of the National Assembly, raised concerns about the government’s handling of upcoming local elections.
The visit, part of a broader campaign to promote party membership drives, drew significant turnout from militants and supporters. Addressing the crowd, Sonko emphasized the urgency of setting a date for the elections, drawing a parallel with recent presidential decrees.
Decrees and election timelines: a matter of urgency
Sonko argued that while the president’s authority to issue decrees—such as those appointing or removing officials—is undisputed, the same process should apply to fixing the election date. His remarks were met with applause from the audience.
« Issuing a decree to dismiss key figures like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within presidential prerogatives. So should the decree that sets the election date. These are all routine decrees, » he stated.
Concerns over election delays
For weeks, Sonko has been vocal against any postponement of the local polls. In Louga, he suggested that the delay in announcing the election date may stem from the administration’s apprehension toward his party’s growing influence.
The leader of Pastef Les Patriotes warned that the president’s hesitation could reflect fears over the « energy and mobilization » of his supporters, whom he referred to as « patriots. »
