Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Patriotes movement, has sharply criticised the government’s failure to set a date for upcoming local elections through an official decree. In a recent address in Ndiambour, he argued that if the president can issue decrees to reshuffle key officials—such as the dismissal of Waly Diouf Bodiang from the Port autonome de Dakar or the contested removal of Fadilou Keïta from the Caisse des dépôts et consignations—then fixing an election timeline should follow the same administrative process. « Whether it’s dismissing officials or scheduling votes, both require a decree. The president’s hesitation is both illogical and unjustified, » Sonko stated.

Rising urgency over election calendar

With mounting pressure on the presidency to act, electoral expert Djibril Gningue warns that time is running out. The legal framework for organising local elections demands swift action, as delays could soon render the electoral calendar unworkable. Sonko, who has been vocal against any postponement since his nationwide voter card distribution tour in late July, reiterated his stance during the rally, stressing that procrastination would only deepen institutional instability.

Institutional tensions escalate

The absence of a formal decree to convene voters has intensified friction between the executive and legislative branches. The president of the National Assembly has directly challenged the presidency over this oversight, highlighting a growing rift at the highest levels of governance. Without an official announcement, the legitimacy of the electoral process remains in question, fueling public scepticism and political uncertainty.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter