The election results on November 17 reflect a continuation of the momentum from the March 24, 2024, presidential election, where the Senegalese electorate sent a clear message for change, giving 54 percent of the vote to President Diomaye Faye. This suggests that citizens are eager to provide a strong mandate to President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko to implement their proposed policies.
Historically, the Senegalese electorate has demonstrated consistency in granting substantial majorities to newly elected Presidents. During the campaign, PASTEF’s leader and the head of the national list traveled across the country, presenting the presidential program “Senegal 2050: National Transformation Agenda,” which serves as a new benchmark for public policy. Throughout his campaign, he was able to communicate to the populace the anticipated achievements for the next five years, the initial stage of this agenda.
PASTEF stands out as the only party or coalition to thoroughly engage with voters across all regions. The lack of a constructive debate between candidates has also played a role in shaping the electoral outcome. The opposition, particularly the radical coalition “Samm Sa Kaddu” led by Dakar Mayor Barthelemy Dias, seemed to focus more on attacking Sonko rather than his policies.
The challenges faced by leading opposition figures such as Amadou Ba, Barthelemy Dias, and Macky Sall in uniting their voter base during this election have been notable.
Macky Sall’s sudden return to the political scene has raised eyebrows. While he has remained as the head of his party, it was unexpected that he would be a candidate in these legislative elections given his earlier statement about focusing on international issues and relocating to Morocco. His rapid return to domestic politics is intriguing, especially since he did not actively campaign. His party has also been weakened by defections since his departure from power, with former ministers and directors aligning with Amadou Ba or choosing to run independently. Additionally, several former members of his party, as well as the Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, have shown support for PASTEF in this election. While initial results indicate that Macky Sall is retaining his strongholds in the north, notably in Matam, he is losing ground in Fatick, his historic bastion.
Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba has been engaged in local efforts, but his campaign’s messaging has been unclear, as he is often associated with Macky Sall’s legacy. After the presidential election, he established a new political movement with former APR ministers, but indications suggest he may finish third in this legislative contest, behind PASTEF and Sall’s coalition, despite having garnered 35 percent of the vote in the last presidential election.
Dakar Mayor Barthelemy Dias aimed to represent the “generational bloc” with his colleagues, yet his strategy of targeting Ousmane Sonko proved unproductive. He has not engaged in substantial discussions regarding economic, educational, or the recent public policy agendas proposed by the government.
It’s worth noting that the coalitions formed by Macky Sall, Amadou Ba, and Barthelemy Dias did not effectively challenge PASTEF. The campaign lacked meaningful debates, and incidents of violence marred the process, distracting from the concerns of the Senegalese populace.
Implications for Senegal’s political future
These developments suggest that Senegal is entering a phase of change and rejuvenation within its political class. Some influential figures, such as former President of the National Assembly Moustapha Niasse and former President Wade, are stepping back, while their parties undergo turbulence. Former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck and former Mayor of Dakar Khalifa Sall also withdrew from the election process, highlighting a shift toward a younger generation of leadership.
Given PASTEF’s strong performance in the presidential election and initial favorable trends in the legislative vote, it’s crucial to assess the results and the seat distribution of the coalition led by former President Sall, as well as those of Amadou Ba and Barthelemy Dias. These outcomes will define the opposition’s landscape in the National Assembly as Senegal transitions to a new political dynamic.
Future priorities under PASTEF
With a parliamentary majority, PASTEF is expected to prioritize reforms in justice, establish a high court for accountability, and propose the abolition of certain institutions, such as the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the High Council of Local Authorities. However, the immediate focus should be on economic issues and addressing the purchasing power of Senegalese citizens in light of the current challenging economic climate. The new assembly will soon take up voting on the 2025 budget, which will shape the government’s financial commitments going forward.
AC/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA