The recent actions taken by the Senegalese government, prompting a delay in the upcoming election, have raised concerns as expressed by the US Department of State.
Contrary to Senegal’s democratic ethos, the recent actions have been criticized by Matthew Miller, the State Department’s spokesperson, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
‘We are particularly alarmed by reports of security forces removing by force parliamentarians who opposed a bill to delay the election, resulting in a National Assembly vote that cannot be considered legitimate given the conditions under which it took place.’
The State Department’s response was triggered by Senegalese President Macky Sall’s Saturday announcement, wherein he disclosed the postponement of the scheduled presidential elections on February 25.
The delay received backing from lawmakers on Monday night, but the voting process was tumultuous as security forces entered the chamber, forcibly removing certain opposition deputies and obstructing their voting.
Read also: Election Delay: Internet Shut Down As Protests Hit Senegal
‘The United States urges the Government of Senegal to move forward with its presidential election in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.’
‘We also call on the Senegalese government to restore full Internet access immediately and to ensure that freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, including for members of the press, are fully respected.’
‘The United States will remain engaged with all parties and regional partners in the days ahead,’ the statement concluded.
The Senegalese government, reacting to protests against President Sall’s decision to postpone the presidential election, implemented a temporary disruption of mobile internet services.
According to a BBC report, Communication Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam justified the actions, pointing to the need to prevent “hateful and subversive messages” on social networks in the face of potential threats to public order.
As per AFP, this is the first time a Senegalese presidential election has experienced a postponement.
Mobile internet access in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, was restored on Wednesday, as reported by the news agency, following a temporary suspension by authorities lasting two days.