Senegal’s political landscape is heating up as local election debates intensify, with key figures rejecting any possibility of postponement. The latest voice joining the chorus is that of El Malick Ndiaye, a prominent figure in the country’s political arena, who has taken a firm stance on the matter.
During a campaign event in Linguère, where he hosted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s membership drive, Ndiaye made it clear that local elections cannot be delayed under any circumstances. His remarks underscore growing public engagement ahead of the vote, which he suggests could influence the electoral timeline.
Local elections in Senegal: why no delay will be accepted
El Malick Ndiaye’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within Senegal’s political sphere. He highlighted the unprecedented mobilization spurred by Pastef’s membership registration efforts, which have seen citizens across the country actively participating in party activities.
The deputy emphasized that this surge in grassroots involvement could have a direct impact on election preparations. “These are our membership drives shaking the nation—in the right way,” he stated. “People everywhere are rushing to buy Pastef membership cards, and this momentum may well shape the election schedule.”
Pastef leader echoes calls for immediate election date
Ndiaye’s remarks follow closely on the heels of Ousmane Sonko’s own public appeal to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Speaking in Louga, Sonko urged the head of state to issue a decree setting the date for local elections, asserting that such authority falls squarely within presidential powers.
“The president can issue a decree to dismiss Fadilou Keïta, Waly Diouf Bodiang, and others—no one disputes that,” Sonko noted. “By the same token, he must issue a decree to set the election date. These are all simple administrative decisions.”
This bipartisan push against election delays signals mounting pressure on Senegal’s leadership to finalize the electoral calendar without further postponement.
A clear warning: elections will proceed as scheduled
El Malick Ndiaye did not mince words when addressing the possibility of a delay. In a defiant tone, he declared, “No one can postpone these elections. ‘Beug beuré, bagn beuré’—there will be a fight, whether they like it or not.”
