Senegal’s parliamentary elections, which will take place this weekend, are capturing the attention of an entire country. Two prominent political figures, namely former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and ex-President Macky Sall, are once again locked in a struggle for control of the 165-seat National Assembly. The face-off follows their clash in the March 2024 presidential election.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s dissolution of parliament in September, citing opposition obstacles, led to the call for early elections. Four major coalitions dominate the contest, including the opposition Takku Wallu, backed by Sall.
Senegalese voters have traditionally given the president a parliamentary majority, but economic challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and recent floods have fueled discontent.
Former President Sall, campaigning remotely from Morocco, has accused the Faye administration of stalling the economic progress made under his watch. In response, Faye’s government has pointed to past mismanagement of the opposition and a lack of parliamentary support for delaying the implementation of reforms.
Tensions have also flared during the campaign, with reports of harassment of Sonko supporters. Despite this, analysts suggest that Faye’s Pastef party has a strong chance of securing a majority, given Sonko’s active engagement with voters across the country.
These elections will determine whether Faye can implement his agenda or face continued opposition in parliament. The stakes are high for Senegal’s political future.