ECOWAS warns Senegal's political class against constitutional breakdown Ahead Senegal's presidential Election
The governing body of ECOWAS has put Senegal’s political class wise against violence and contravention of the country’s constitutional provisions. Senegal’s presidential election
The warning was sent alongside a friendly dissuasion of its public from participating in any act that may be found contrary to their democratic tradition. Senegal’s presidential election
The West African political group also “condemned such actions, as were seen today”, urging law enforcement agencies excercise utmost restraint and protect the fundamental right of all citizens” as absence of this “may lead to a constitutional breakdown, where applicable, however, the laid down rules of democratic society are ridden roughshod upon. Senegal’s presidential election
Some Senegalese legislative members were forced out of the parliament after a vote to put off the country’s presidential election until December 15 amid a political crisis.
Meanwhile, It is all happening at the time when the country is facing a political crisis between opposition members over who gets to take over the government and who will be elected into power on the approval of the outgoing president. Senegal’s presidential election
President Macky Sall, although this has been widely criticised, shall remain in office as he announced to shift the February 25 election to a later date on December 15.
In the event of divided opinions in regards to the election date, some Senegalese Police officers were seen in riot gear ejecting some politicians who belonged to the opposition party out of the state building in Darkar.
According to observers, the move by the ruling government was “motivated by the desire to secure a vote against the opposition party” and retain a leadership “position” in the oncoming administration. Senegal’s presidential election
Financial Times said, “Parliament’s ratification of the postponement left Senegal in limbo and threatens to jeopardise a democracy that has gained a reputation for political stability in a region rocked by coups and violent insurgencies in recent years.”
In response to the Senegal political crisis, ECOWAS issued a statement from its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday in which it declared its dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation among the country’s politicians.
The body advised the Senegalese political elites against ignoring the constitutional provisions acting as the basis for due political procedures in the event of national elections.
The document read, “The ECOWAS Commission encourages the political class to take steps urgently to restore the electoral calendar in accordance with the provisions of Senegal’s Constitution.
“In these trying times for the country and the region, the Commission calls on all stakeholders to shun violence and all other actions that may further disturb the peace and stability of the country.
It also encouraged the people of Senegal to continue to obey their government, adhering to the democratic tradition.
“It urges the law enforcement agencies to exercise utmost restraint and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
“The ECOWAS Commission will continue to monitor the unfolding events and will take all necessary steps to support the government and people of Senegal in their efforts to sustain the country’s democratic tradition,” added the statement. Senegal’s presidential election
ECOWAS warns Senegal’s political class against constitutional breakdown Ahead Senegal’s presidential Election
