The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the government of Senegal to speed up processes and set a new date for its postponed general election. Expressing concern over circumstances leading to postponement of the election, which was scheduled for February 25, 2024, it also appealed to the political class in the country to 'prioritise dialogue and collaboration for transparent inclusive and credible elections'. ECOWAS, in a statement, commended President Macky Sall for upholding his decision not to run for another term in office, and encouraged him to continue to 'defend and protect Senegal's long-standing democratic tradition'. President Macky Sall, reportedly, postponed the February 25 elections following complaints by candidates, who were barred from contesting the elections. The two-term President said he was not seeking re-election but did not set a new date for the polls. It is against this backdrop that ECOWAS has asked the authorities to take steps and organise the electio ns as quickly as possible. Reports indicate that a constitutional council had prevented several hopeful, including some high-profile politicians, from contesting the elections. According to Mr Sall, the complaints could affect the elections hence his decision to 'open national dialogue to create the conditions for a free, transparent and inclusive election in a peaceful and reconciled Senegal'. Opposition candidates in Senegal described the President's decision to postpone the election as a constitutional coup, while others have urged voters to protest against the move, which is said to be unprecedented. ECOWAS, in its statement, said it was monitoring the situation in the country. Source: Ghana News Agency WINDHOEK: The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa and former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta have expressed their condolences at the passing of President Hage Geingob, describing him as a great leader who contributed immensely to Namibia's liberation. Mnangagwa extended his heartfelt condolences to Geingob's family and the people of Namibia in an official statement. 'President Geingob's leadership and resilience will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts are with Namibia during this difficult time,' Mnangagwa said. In his message of condolences to the family of the late Geingob and the people of Namibia, Kenyatta said he was deeply saddened by Geingob's death. 'No words can sufficiently convey the magnitude of the loss as President Geingob was a distinguished servant of the people, an outstanding statesman and a great leader full of wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Government and the people of Namibia during this difficult time of grieving and los,' Keny atta said. He added that he was privileged to have interacted with Geingob and treasures the wisdom and knowledge of a statesman shared with humility and grace. 'We will always remember and cherish his huge contribution to the welfare of the people of Namibia and Africa as a whole,' Kenyatta added. The former Kenyan Head of State urged the people of Namibia to uphold the late President Geingob's legacy. President Geingob, 82, died on Sunday at a hospital in Namibia's capital Windhoek. Source: The Namibia Press Agency