Senegal’s Ruling Party Poised for Major Victory in Legislative Elections
Senegal’s ruling party is set to secure a commanding victory in the recent legislative elections, setting the stage for the implementation of significant reforms promised by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration. Early projections indicate that Faye’s Pastef party is on track to win around three-quarters of the seats in Senegal’s 165-member parliament.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a key figure behind the party’s success, has been credited with the projected landslide. Once in prison just eight months ago, Sonko has played a pivotal role in mobilizing support for the party’s bold political and economic agenda, promising change for a nation struggling with high inflation and unemployment.
A Victory for Reform
Faye’s win in March set the stage for the ambitious promises of economic transformation, social justice, and a crackdown on corruption, which resonated with Senegal’s predominantly youthful population. With these issues at the forefront of his campaign, Faye vowed to tackle the country’s economic challenges, including rising costs of living and a lack of job opportunities.
However, his administration’s early months were met with resistance from an opposition-led parliament, leading Faye to dissolve the legislative body in September and call for snap elections. The goal now is to implement policies that will directly impact everyday life, including addressing the cost of basic goods.
“The priority is to change policies so they benefit the average household,” said El Hadji Mamadou Mbaye, a political science lecturer at the University of Saint-Louis.
Facing New Challenges
Pastef’s projected majority, expected to range from 119 to 131 seats, will give the party the mandate to push forward its radical reforms. The government aims to diversify economic partnerships, review key contracts in sectors like hydrocarbons and fishing, and work toward re-establishing Senegal’s sovereignty.
Political analysts suggest that with this overwhelming parliamentary control, Faye and Sonko have the political leverage to pursue their ambitious agenda without obstruction. “They now have everything they need to deliver on their promises,” Mbaye commented.
Fragmented Opposition
Although the opposition remains fractured, some coalitions did manage to secure a significant portion of the vote. Former President Macky Sall’s Takku Wallu Senegal coalition is expected to win around 15 seats. While the opposition has criticized the new government for its perceived inaction and focus on settling scores with the previous administration, unemployment rates and a growing budget deficit remain pressing issues.
Despite these challenges, Sonko and Faye argue that they inherited a difficult situation and have faced substantial resistance in implementing reforms.
Sonko’s Growing Influence
Political observers believe that Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, even more than President Faye, will continue to shape the country’s direction. “It is Sonko who will continue to drive the country’s policies,” said Mbaye, suggesting that the prime minister could wield more influence than the president in a system traditionally seen as hyper-presidential.
Sonko’s endorsement played a crucial role in Faye’s rise to the presidency, and analysts predict that Senegalese voters, who have historically reaffirmed their presidential choices in legislative elections, are likely to continue supporting Faye’s government.
The Future of Senegal
As Senegal looks ahead, many voters, like 56-year-old Toure Aby, hope that the new government will address the rising cost of living. “Everything is getting more expensive – from water to food and electricity,” she said while casting her vote. The country’s young population, burdened by economic hardship, is watching closely to see if the promises made by Faye and Sonko will translate into real change.
