Senegal local elections: El Malick Ndiaye insists on fixed date, rejects delay

Tensions are rising around Senegal’s local election schedule as political figures take firm stances on the matter. Following Ousmane Sonko’s recent remarks, deputy El Malick Ndiaye has joined the chorus, dismissing any possibility of postponing the vote.

During a public event in Linguère, where he welcomed Ousmane Sonko as part of Pastef’s nationwide membership drive, El Malick Ndiaye made his position clear: no entity can alter the election timeline.

« No one can push them back », he declared, signaling unwavering confidence in the electoral process. His statement came amid strong public engagement in Pastef’s membership registration, which he linked to the urgency of setting a firm election date.

Strong turnout sparks election urgency

El Malick Ndiaye pointed to the surge in membership sign-ups across Senegal as a sign of the country’s political momentum. « Our membership drives are shaking the nation—in a positive way, » he noted. « People everywhere are rushing to register, and this momentum could influence the election timeline. »

Despite the growing public interest, he remained adamant that the polls must proceed as scheduled. Using a Wolof phrase, he warned,
“Beug beuré, bagn beuré” (There will be a fight, whether they like it or not).

Political pressure mounts on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye

El Malick Ndiaye’s remarks follow closely on the heels of Ousmane Sonko’s own intervention in Louga, where the Pastef leader urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to issue a decree setting the local election date. Sonko emphasized that such a decision falls squarely within the president’s constitutional powers.

« Removing Fadilou Keïta, Waly Diouf Bodiang, and others is within his mandate—no one disputes that, » Sonko argued. « Similarly, he must issue a decree to set the election date. These are all simple decrees. »

The back-to-back statements from Pastef leaders highlight escalating political pressure on the government to clarify the election schedule. As uncertainty lingers among Senegal’s political class, the debate over the local election timeline shows no signs of fading.

By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert