Senegal’s Constitutional Council overturned the postponement of this month’s presidential election on Thursday. The council, Senegal’s top election authority, ruled that the presidential election postponement from February to December was an explicit breach of the constitution.

The Constitutional Council is an independent body with the role of interpreting Senegal’s Constitution, ensuring its application, and safeguarding the rule of law. President Macky Sall has not yet issued a public response in the wake of the council’s recent ruling.

Sall previously submitted a bill to reschedule the presidential election, initially slated for February 25. Senegal’s Parliament passed the bill last week. The postponement was based on an electoral dispute between the Parliament and the judiciary regarding some candidacies in Dakar. Additionally, questions arose about the dual nationality of the two candidates. Opposition leaders and Senegalese legal experts vehemently rejected the postponement. Widespread protests, deadly violence and arrests of political opponents ensued.  Members of the Parliament resigned in protest, and mobile internet cuts exacerbated political tensions.

Whether the election can proceed as initially scheduled or if more time will be needed for political campaigns remains to be determined.  Pierre Goudiaby Atepa, who claims to work as a facilitator at the president’s request, said they are working for “calming solutions” but declined to comment on whether the court’s decision would be accepted.

The EU delegation in Senegal has closely monitored the situation. They stressed the significance of adhering to constitutional norms and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates in Senegal. The electoral observation mission expressed concern about the postponement’s controversy and urged all stakeholders to prioritize national stability and democratic principles.