After weeks of growing tensions between Senegal’s executive and the opposition-controlled parliament, President Bassirou Diomaye has terminated the National Assembly.
The move was welcomed by the president’s supporters, but it has sparked heated debate among Senegalese citizens.
‘A Strategic Calculation’
Local observer Aïssatou Diallo suggests that the decision is strategic: “If they dissolve the assembly, it’s because they see it serving their interests. But the real priority should be to allow the new government to implement its agenda in the interest of the people.”
A Legal, But Controversial Decision
Supporters of the decision, like Seydou Sow, say it is not only legal but necessary given the current political landscape. “Dissolving parliament is a good decision given that the assembly no longer fits the president’s ambitions. He has not broken any law,” Sow said.
However, the opposition sees the move as a political maneuver. They have raised concerns about the speed of the organization of the elections, questioning the legality of circumventing the controversial sponsorship law.
“A rush to manipulate the elections”
Moussa Diakhaté, an opposition MP, criticized the president’s approach: “They want elections in 60 days, but what about the sponsorship law? Where is the opinion of the Constitutional Council? This is just another way to manipulate the public and cheat in the next elections.”
Uncertainty on the Horizon for Both Parties
As the country prepares for legislative elections on November 17, the stakes are high. The opposition hopes to impose a power-sharing arrangement, but analysts suggest they face significant challenges. Political expert André Bakhoum warns that fragmented opposition lists could favor the government in Senegal’s winner-takes-all system.
“If the new emerging majority holds after March 2024, the opposition will have to rethink its strategy to adapt,” Bakhoum said.
As both sides prepare for what promises to be a fierce electoral contest, uncertainty looms over Senegal’s political future.