00:03Senegal is heading toward a crucial political test with local elections expected in January of
00:092027. Bastef, the ruling party, is now putting pressure on the government to respect the
00:15electoral calendar. The party argues that under the law, the vote should take place no later
00:21than January 17th, 2027. But so far, President Basuru Diyamai-Fai has not issued a decree setting
00:29the election date. Bastef is also raising concerns over the electoral deposit, which should have been
00:36set months ago. The party is warning the Interior Ministry and electoral authorities respecting the
00:43electoral calendar is a legal obligation. But there is a deeper political tension. A growing rift between
00:50President Fai and his former Prime Minister, Bastef leader Ousmane Sonko, has divided the ruling party.
00:57Now, there are concerns the government could seek to delay a vote Bastef sees as its first
01:02major electoral test, and one it believes it can win.
