How the Constitutional Council saved democracy in Senegal - Foundation Office Thailand
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How the Constitutional Council saved democracy in Senegal
by
Lea Kolligs
A landmark judgement for democracy and the rule of law in West Africa
Democracy in Senegal has been increasingly jeopardised in recent years by power plays against the opposition, violent demonstrations, and the prosecution of numerous opposition politicians. Recently, the Senegalese Constitutional Council issued a groundbreaking judgement by declaring the planned postponement of the Senegalese presidential elections to December 2024 as unconstitutional. In doing so, it has not only saved Senegal from a deep political crisis, but also paved the way at the last moment for a constitutional and democratic transfer of power. This transfer now took place on 2 April 2024 to the newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.