Lawmakers in Senegal are set to vote on a bill that could extend President Macky Sall's mandate until the next elections, following the recent decision to indefinitely postpone the February 25 polls. The move comes amid public outcry over the disqualification of several opposition candidates.
The proposed amendment to the constitution, which has been seen by Bloomberg, would allow President Sall to remain in office until his successor is elected. This would effectively extend his current term, as his second five-year term is drawing to an end. The amendment suggests that elections could be rescheduled for August 25.
The decision to delay the polls indefinitely was a significant and unprecedented move by President Sall, who cited concerns over the disqualification of opposition contenders as the reason. This move has prompted lawmakers to launch an investigation into how these candidates were initially validated by the Constitutional Council.
The independence of two judges at the Constitutional Council, who were responsible for finalizing the list of 20 eligible candidates for the February 25 elections, has come under scrutiny. As a result, the decision to delay the polls and potentially extend President Sall's mandate is viewed by some as an attempt to address this ongoing controversy.
However, critics argue that amending the constitution to extend President Sall's mandate could set a dangerous precedent. Maurice Soudieck Dione, an associate professor of political science, notes that while this move may address the immediate problem of the president's mandate expiring before elections can take place, it could have long-term implications for future presidencies.
To pass in parliament, the bill will need the support of three-fifths of lawmakers. A session to examine the bill has been scheduled for February 5, according to opposition lawmaker Ayib Daffé.
The political landscape in Senegal is likely to remain tense as the debate over President Sall's potential term extension unfolds. Meanwhile, the country awaits further developments and decisions from lawmakers regarding the rescheduling of the elections.