Senegal’s ruling Pastef party has claimed a resounding victory in Sunday’s legislative election, securing a majority that will enable it to implement an ambitious reform agenda, just eight months after sweeping to power. According to government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre, over 90% of ballots have already been counted, with Pastef emerging as the dominant force in the polls.
“I pay homage to the Senegalese people for the large victory that it has given to Pastef,” Sarre told TFM television, as provisional results indicated that the party had won in the majority of polling stations. Faye’s party appears to have surpassed the two main opposition parties, setting the stage for significant political and economic changes.
The elections are pivotal for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who secured a landslide victory in March with promises of economic transformation, social justice, and a fight against corruption. These pledges have resonated with Senegal’s youthful population, who face rising inflation and high unemployment rates. However, Faye’s administration has faced significant challenges in the early months of governance, as an opposition-controlled parliament hindered his efforts. In response, Faye dissolved the assembly in September and called for snap elections once the constitution allowed.
“I hope that Pastef will win the elections to gain a majority so that they can better carry out their mandate,” said Pascal Goudiaby, a 56-year-old voter in Dakar. “The priority is unemployment, young people are facing so much unemployment,” he added, echoing widespread concerns among voters.
As part of his push for reform, Faye appointed his ally, firebrand politician Ousmane Sonko, as prime minister. Sonko, whose own presidential bid had been blocked after a bitter standoff with the previous administration, joins Faye in promising a leftist, pan-African agenda aimed at diversifying Senegal’s political and economic partnerships. Their focus includes reviewing hydrocarbon and fishing contracts and reasserting Senegal’s sovereignty over key industries.
For many young voters like Mademba Ndiaye, a 20-year-old student casting his vote for the first time, the election is seen as a critical opportunity to shape the future. “It’s one of the only ways we can really have an impact on society,” he said, adding that voting was essential to hold the government accountable.
Despite the peaceful conduct of voting across the country, some reports indicated lower turnout compared to the presidential election. Senegal’s approximately 7.3 million registered voters were tasked with electing 165 members of parliament for five-year terms. Historically, parliamentary elections in Senegal have confirmed voters’ support for their presidential choice, with many viewing the legislature as an extension of the president’s mandate.
“I think that whoever you gave your confidence to in the presidential election, you need to renew your confidence in him so that he can achieve what he started,” said Toure Aby, a 56-year-old voter. “We want life to be less expensive for the Senegalese,” she added, noting the rising costs of living, including water, electricity, and food.
President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko both urged calm as they cast their ballots. “Democracy is expressed in peace and stability, and I believe that in a democracy there is no room for violence,” Sonko stated in the southern city of Ziguinchor, calling for restraint after a history of clashes involving his supporters.
While the election period saw only sporadic violence, political tensions remain high. Former president Macky Sall, who left office in April after a controversial decision to delay the presidential election, is leading an opposition coalition from abroad called Takku Wallu Senegal. On election day, the opposition claimed that the vote was marred by “massive fraud organized by Pastef,” though no specific details were provided.
The opposition has also accused the new government of inaction, accusing Faye’s administration of being amateurish and attempting to settle scores with the previous leadership. Unemployment remains high at over 20%, and many young people continue to risk their lives attempting to reach Europe by boat in search of better opportunities.
The government has faced challenges, including a recent audit revealing a larger budget deficit than previously reported, leading to a downgrade of Senegal’s credit rating by Moody’s. However, the Faye administration has introduced measures to address economic concerns, including lowering the prices of essential household goods such as rice, oil, and sugar. Additionally, the government has launched reforms in the justice system and outlined a 25-year development plan aimed at transforming the country’s economy and public policy.
As the results of the election continue to be tallied, the Pastef party’s victory marks a significant moment in Senegal’s democratic journey, with many hoping it will lead to meaningful progress on the country’s pressing economic and social challenges.
