Ousmane Sonko has forcefully reiterated that Senegal’s local elections must proceed as scheduled in January 2027, calling any delay unacceptable after the tragic loss of three lives to prevent a previous postponement.

Unwavering commitment to electoral timelines

Addressing growing speculation about potential delays to the 2027 local elections, the PASTEF leader delivered a categorical response. « We must remember that three people gave their lives to prevent the postponement of the presidential election, » Sonko declared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

He questioned what could possibly justify delaying the first elections after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s inauguration, noting that the 2024 legislative elections were an exception due to the dissolution of the National Assembly before the completion of its term.

Legal mandate over political maneuvering

Sonko stressed that the 2027 local elections are firmly established in the electoral calendar, making postponement legally indefensible. « No excuses of unpreparedness will be accepted. When election day arrives, citizens must cast their votes, » he asserted. « By January 2027, we will hold these elections, as the law requires. »

The National Assembly president warned against any attempts to push back the elections, pointing to the urgency of updating electoral rolls—a process he noted has not yet begun. « We fought, and some lost their lives, to prevent election delays. We cannot now tolerate maneuvers to postpone them, » he stated firmly.

Party strength reflected in voter registration

Despite challenges, Sonko expressed confidence in PASTEF’s dominance, highlighting the ongoing sale of voter cards as a key indicator of the party’s electoral strength. « The results of the card sales already give us an early indication of our performance before voting even begins. These operations serve as a reliable barometer of our support, » he concluded.