Statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the draft constitutional law related to presidential elections in Senegal
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, June 23, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:
“The High Representative is following closely the electoral process in Senegal and in
particular the draft constitutional law adopted in the Council of Ministers on 16th June, 2011.
This text is due to be discussed in emergency procedure by the Parliament. This draft law
includes provisions that could exclude a second round if the leading candidate secures 25% of
the votes.
The High Representative notes with concern that such an amendment to the Constitution
Would lead, at very short notice, to a major change in the provisions for the presidential
elections, only eight months before the holding of the ballot, planned for 26th February, 2012.
It would also create the risk of the legitimacy of that election result being challenged.
The European Union is concerned that constitutional provisions that govern the presidential
elections should be defined in the spirit of national consensus that always prevailed in
Senegal, so as to ensure free and transparent elections that express the will of the voters and
Ensure uncontested democratic legitimacy for the President. The EU calls on the Senegalese
authorities to maintain this consensual approach.
The EU will continue to support the electoral process and a peaceful dialogue between
Senegalese from all parties and coalitions.”
SOURCE
European Council
