Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-led parliament, setting the stage for a snap legislative election scheduled for November 17. This move comes six months after Faye's election on an anti-establishment platform. In a televised address, Faye urged voters to support his party, PASTEF, to enable the implementation of the promised systemic transformation.
Analysts predict that Faye's party has a strong chance of securing a majority in the upcoming election, given his popularity and significant victory margin in the March presidential election. However, the opposition platform, Benno Bokk Yaakar, led by former President Macky Sall, has criticized Faye's decision, accusing him of convening the legislative session under false pretenses.
President Faye, at 44, became Africa's youngest elected leader after winning the March election, reflecting the widespread frustration among Senegal's youth with the country's direction. Despite his promises of reforms, including fighting corruption and improving living standards, progress has been slow.
Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a key opposition figure, blame the parliament for obstructing reforms due to their lack of majority. Tensions between the government and the assembly have escalated, with disputes over budgetary debates and policy roadmaps.
The decision to dissolve the national assembly poses risks, as it may impact the approval of next year's budget. Senegal's stability as a democracy was tested during the April presidential election, which followed months of protests and concerns over potential third-term ambitions by the outgoing president.
Senegal, with a predominantly young population, faces economic challenges, with over 60% of its citizens under 25 and 90% engaged in informal jobs. The country has also been grappling with inflation and high rates of irregular migration to Europe, exemplified by a recent tragic boat accident that claimed numerous lives.
