In yesterday’s general election in Senegal, unofficial results indicate that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s party, PASTEF, is leading the race.
While vote counting continues, early figures show PASTEF has gained significant support across nearly all cities.
Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre told local media that, based on initial results, “PASTEF has achieved a decisive victory.”
Opposition coalition leader Barthelemy Dias, Mayor of Dakar, congratulated PASTEF on their success in a Facebook post. He leads the “Samm Sa Kaddu” coalition, which translates to “I keep my word” in Wolof.
Amadou Ba, former presidential candidate and leader of the “Jamm ak Njarin” coalition (meaning “Peace and Prosperity” in Wolof), also praised PASTEF on X (formerly Twitter), declaring that Senegal was the real winner.
Meanwhile, the “Takku Wallu” coalition, led by former President Macky Sall, alleged widespread electoral irregularities and accused Interior Minister Jean Baptiste Tine of misconduct.
83 Seats Needed for Majority
Senegal, with about 7.3 million eligible voters, is electing 165 members of parliament from 41 party and coalition lists. A party or coalition needs at least 83 seats to secure a majority.
While official results are still pending, it is expected that PASTEF will easily reach the majority needed to control the National Assembly.
The last general election in Senegal took place in July 2022, under the leadership of former President Sall. The National Assembly has faced tensions, particularly over Prime Minister Sonko’s vocal opposition to Sall. In September, President Faye dissolved the parliament and called for early elections, which are now scheduled for April 2024.