In the recent parliamentary elections in Senegal, the ruling PASTEF party is on track to secure a majority, potentially enabling President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to implement the ambitious reforms he had promised during his election campaign. The main opposition leaders, including former president Macky Sall of the Takku Wallu coalition, have acknowledged their defeat, with Sall extending congratulations to PASTEF on social media.
Following the closure of polls on Sunday, two other prominent opposition figures also conceded defeat, setting the stage for the official announcement of results and the distribution of parliamentary seats later this week. Prior to the elections, PASTEF held 56 seats in the 165-member National Assembly, while Sall's coalition had a narrow majority of 83 seats.
President Faye, who was elected in March on a platform advocating for change and anti-corruption measures, had faced challenges in implementing his proposed reforms due to the lack of a parliamentary majority. His agenda includes addressing corruption, reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies, and ensuring a fairer distribution of the country's natural resources among the population.
The electoral process in Senegal, known for its political stability, proceeded smoothly despite occasional clashes between supporters of rival parties during the campaign period. Faye, at 44 years old, became the youngest elected leader in Africa earlier this year, shortly after his release from prison. His rapid ascent to power reflects the widespread discontent among the country's youth regarding the current state of affairs, a sentiment echoed across the continent where many leaders have held onto power for extended periods.
With over 60% of the Senegalese population under the age of 25 and a vast majority engaged in informal employment, the country has been grappling with challenges such as soaring inflation, making daily life challenging for many citizens. Senegal also serves as a significant source of irregular migration to Europe, with numerous individuals embarking on perilous journeys in search of better economic prospects.
