As Senegal prepares for its highly anticipated legislative elections on Sunday, the government has reassured citizens that the process will be “free, transparent, and inclusive,” both within the country and abroad.
Jean Baptiste Tine, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, made the promise during a press conference on Friday, just hours before the official close of the campaign period.
Tine highlighted that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the elections are conducted smoothly and fairly.
“All necessary provisions have been made and continue to be made for a free, transparent, and inclusive vote on Sunday, across the entire national territory and abroad,” Tine said, detailing the government’s extensive preparations.
He emphasized that all electoral materials and documents have been distributed to the relevant authorities, including administrative bodies, diplomatic missions, and consular services.
“The electoral materials, including ballots and other necessary documents, have been prepared and delivered to service providers since October 21, for dispatch to diplomatic and consular missions,” the minister added.
He expressed confidence in the logistical setup for the elections, declaring that “all signals point to a well-organized process with zero contestation.”
The stakes are high in these elections, as 41 political parties and coalitions are competing for 165 seats in Senegal’s National Assembly.
The election will determine the composition of the legislative body for the next five years, making it a critical event in the country’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, head of the Pastef party and a prominent figure in Senegalese politics, has called for calm during the voting process.
“I urge all Senegalese to vote peacefully,” Sonko said, reinforcing the call for a calm and orderly election day.
In addition to these assurances, 104 international observers from the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have arrived in Senegal to monitor the elections.
These observers are tasked with assessing the final days of the campaign, election day operations, and the vote counting procedures.
The observers, coming from 20 African countries, will operate independently and impartially, adhering to international standards and Senegal’s legal framework.
A preliminary statement will be issued on November 19, followed by a detailed final report for stakeholders in Senegal.
