Senegal is set to hold parliamentary elections this weekend, where former presidential rivals Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and ex-President Macky Sall will vie for control of the 165-seat National Assembly. This election follows their heated contest in the March 2024 presidential race.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dissolved parliament in September, citing obstruction by the opposition, and called for snap elections. Four major coalitions are leading the race, including the opposition Takku Wallu coalition, backed by Sall.
Historically, Senegalese voters have granted the sitting president a parliamentary majority. However, rising economic challenges, including unemployment, inflation, and recent flooding, have fueled public dissatisfaction, creating uncertainty over the outcome.
Campaigning remotely from Morocco, former President Sall has accused Faye’s administration of undoing the economic progress made during his tenure. In response, Faye’s government has blamed the opposition for previous mismanagement and lack of parliamentary support, which they claim delayed critical reforms.
The campaign period has seen heightened tensions, with reports of harassment targeting Sonko’s supporters. Despite this, analysts believe Faye’s Pastef party has a strong chance of securing a majority, largely due to Sonko’s active grassroots engagement across the country.
The results of these elections will determine whether President Faye can push forward his policy agenda or face continued opposition dominance in parliament.