This weekend’s parliamentary elections in Senegal will witness a significant contest between Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former President Macky Sall, who previously clashed in the March 2024 presidential election, as they strive for control of the 165-seat National Assembly
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dissolved parliament in September due to opposition obstruction and subsequently called for snap elections, with four prominent coalitions now vying for dominance, including the opposition Takku Wallu, backed by Sall.
Senegalese voters traditionally grant the president a parliamentary majority, but economic challenges like unemployment, inflation, and recent flooding have fueled discontent.
Former President Sall, now campaigning remotely from Morocco, accuses Faye’s administration of reversing his economic progress. In response, Faye’s government blames the opposition’s prior mismanagement and lack of parliamentary support for delays in delivering reforms.
Tensions have also flared during the campaign, with reports of harassment against Sonko’s supporters. Despite this, analysts suggest Faye’s Pastef party has a strong chance of securing a majority, given Sonko’s active engagement with voters nationwide.
The elections will determine whether Faye can implement his agenda or face continued opposition in parliament.
