Senegal is currently in the midst of a parliamentary election that will play a crucial role in shaping the country's future. The polls have opened for more than 7 million registered voters to choose 165 lawmakers for the national assembly. This election will determine if President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's party can secure a majority to push forward ambitious reforms promised during his campaign.
President Faye, who was elected in March on an anti-establishment platform, has faced challenges in implementing his proposed reforms due to the lack of a majority in the assembly. These reforms include combating corruption, reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies, and ensuring a fairer distribution of the country's natural resources among the population.
In a bold move, Faye dissolved the opposition-led parliament in September, leading to a snap legislative election. His party, PASTEF, is up against the Takku Wallu opposition platform led by former President Macky Sall, along with 39 other registered parties and coalitions.
The polls are set to close at 6 p.m (1800 GMT), with provisional results expected by Monday morning. Faye's party needs at least 83 seats to secure a majority, a goal analysts believe is within reach given his popularity and margin of victory in the presidential election.
Senegal's young population, with over 60% under 25 years old, has expressed frustration with the country's economic challenges. The nation has been grappling with high inflation and a significant informal job sector, leading many to seek opportunities abroad through irregular migration to Europe.
The campaign for the legislative election has seen sporadic clashes between supporters of different parties, including the burning of an opposition party's headquarters in Dakar. Recent weeks have witnessed clashes between supporters in central Senegal, prompting concerns about political violence.
Despite the tensions, leaders have called for peaceful participation in the election process. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko denounced attacks against PASTEF supporters and urged for a peaceful resolution to any conflicts. The political landscape in Senegal remains dynamic, with the outcome of this election poised to shape the country's future trajectory.
The presidential election in March tested Senegal's democratic stability in a region marked by political unrest. The release of President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko from prison just before the vote signaled a new chapter in Senegal's political landscape, with hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future.
