Senegal’s government has declared a “large victory” in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, with the ruling Pastef party poised to secure a majority in the National Assembly. This success would bolster President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s mandate to pursue the radical economic and social reforms he championed during his March presidential campaign.
Opposition leaders, including former President Macky Sall, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, and Dakar’s mayor Barthélemy Dias, have acknowledged defeat ahead of the official results, expected later today. The election day was largely peaceful, despite sporadic clashes during the campaign period.
Pastef, led by President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has promoted an Afrocentric, nationalist agenda aimed at redefining Senegal’s relationship with France, its former colonial ruler. This approach, coupled with promises of economic reform, social justice, and anti-corruption efforts, has resonated particularly with Senegal’s youth.
President Faye, Africa’s youngest elected leader at 44, faces significant challenges ahead, including high unemployment and precarious public finances. Nevertheless, a parliamentary majority would provide a clearer path to implementing his reformist vision for Senegal.
