Ousmane Sonko urges President Diomaye to set date for local elections in Louga

Ousmane Sonko, leader of the ruling party Pastef Les Patriotes, made a strong appeal to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during a visit to Louga on Saturday. The primary focus of his address was the urgent need to establish a clear timeline for the upcoming local elections.

Sonko, who was in Louga as part of his party’s nationwide campaign to sell membership cards, spoke to a large crowd of supporters and activists. His remarks came against the backdrop of mounting public anticipation for the electoral calendar, which has yet to be officially announced.

Comparing presidential decrees to election scheduling

The opposition leader drew a direct comparison between the recent presidential decrees—such as those appointing or dismissing officials—and the decree needed to set the date for local elections. In a rallying cry to the crowd, he stated,

« Issuing a decree to appoint or dismiss figures like Fadilou Keïta or Waly Diouf Bodiang falls within the president’s authority, and no one disputes that. Yet, the same authority must be used to issue a decree fixing the election date. These are all simple decrees,» Sonko declared, as the audience erupted in applause.

This statement underscored his firm belief that the delay in setting an election date is not a matter of procedure but of political will.

Allegations of political hesitation

Sonko went further, suggesting that the president’s reluctance to finalize the election schedule could stem from concerns about the growing momentum of his party. He argued that the current enthusiasm and mobilization among « patriots »—supporters of Pastef Les Patriotes—might be a factor influencing the government’s hesitation.

The absence of a confirmed date for the local elections has sparked widespread speculation. Sonko’s intervention in Louga adds to the growing chorus of voices urging the government to act promptly, ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic timelines.