The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has called for on Senegalese political class and population to shun violence and work toward restoring the electoral calendar.

The bloc’s communique followed Senegalese President Macky Sall‘s postponement of the February 25 poll which was backed by a divisive parliament on Monday. 

The commission advised against any action or statement that may contravene the provisions of the country’s Constitution and reminds the population and the political class of their responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the country.

“The ECOWAS Commission encourages the political class to take steps urgently to restore the electoral calendar in accordance with the provisions of Senegal’s Constitution.

“In these trying times for the country and the region, the Commission calls on all stakeholders to shun violence and all other actions that may further disturb the peace and stability of the country. It urges the law enforcement agencies to exercise utmost restraint and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens,” the statement said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba