“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,” read a statement released by Matthew Miller, the state department’s spokesperson.
Miller’s statement was in reaction to an announcement made on Saturday by President Macky Sall who on Saturday said the presidential elections that were slated for February 25 would be postponed.
Analysts say the move to postpone the elections has plunged the West African nation into its worst political crisis in decades.
Lawmakers voted almost unanimously in favor of the delay on Monday night, but only after security forces stormed the chamber and removed some opposition deputies, who were unable to cast their votes.
“The United States urges the Government of Senegal to move forward with its presidential election in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws,” read Millers statement.
The US official also called on the government to respect freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, including for members of the press.
"The United States will remain engaged with all parties and regional partners in the days ahead," he added.
Some information from this article was sourced from Agence France-Presse.
Forum