Senegal’s National Assembly President and PASTEF leader, Ousmane Sonko, has firmly rejected any proposal to postpone the country’s local government elections scheduled for January 2027, insisting the polls must take place as planned.
Speaking on Saturday during a political gathering in Bambey, central Senegal, Sonko said respecting the electoral calendar is essential for safeguarding the country’s democratic process.
“We fought against election postponements in the past, so we will not accept one today,” Sonko declared, urging Senegalese citizens to remain vigilant and demand that the constitutional electoral timetable be respected.
The January 2027 elections will see Senegalese voters elect mayors and presidents of departmental councils, who are responsible for managing local government and delivering key public services across the country’s municipalities and departments.
Sonko argued that calls to delay the polls are politically motivated, claiming some opposition figures are reluctant to face voters because of the growing popularity of the ruling PASTEF party.
Without naming specific individuals or parties, he said those advocating a postponement fear an electoral defeat at the hands of PASTEF, which swept to power in the 2024 presidential election and has since consolidated its political influence.
The remarks come amid increasing political debate over preparations for the local elections, which will be the first nationwide local polls since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s political alliance assumed power.
Sonko reiterated that his party remains committed to respecting democratic principles and ensuring that elections are held on schedule.
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