In a firm and uncompromising stance, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party and President of Senegal’s National Assembly, has categorically rejected any possibility of postponing the upcoming local elections scheduled for January 2027. His declaration comes amid growing speculation about potential delays to the electoral calendar, which he dismisses as unfounded and unacceptable.
Why delaying elections is not an option
Sonko emphasized that the local elections of January 2027 are not an arbitrary date but a legally mandated event in Senegal’s electoral calendar. He drew a clear distinction between these elections and the 2024 legislative polls, which were held following the dissolution of the National Assembly—a situation he described as an exception rather than the norm. “The 2024 elections were not part of the regular electoral schedule,” he stated, adding that any attempt to postpone the 2027 local elections would be a grave misstep.
Highlighting the sacrifices made to uphold democratic principles, Sonko recalled that three lives were lost in the struggle to prevent the postponement of the presidential election. “We cannot and will not tolerate any maneuvers to delay these elections,” he declared. He stressed that the electoral process must proceed as planned, with the revision of voter registration lists already overdue.
Electoral readiness and party momentum
Addressing concerns about preparedness, Sonko dismissed claims that Senegal was not ready for the polls. “When election day arrives, the people are called to vote—there is no room for hesitation,” he asserted. He pointed to the ongoing sale of voter cards as a key indicator of his party’s electoral strength, describing it as a reliable barometer of future performance. “The results of the card distribution already give us a preview of the outcome before voting even begins,” he noted with confidence.
Reaffirming his party’s dominance in Senegal’s political landscape, Sonko concluded by stating that PASTEF remains the largest party in the country. His remarks underscored both his unwavering commitment to democratic processes and his party’s strategic advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.