Senegal’s ruling party, Pastef, has declared a significant win in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, with the majority of votes already counted. The government has announced that Pastef secured a “large majority,” setting the stage for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to push forward his ambitious agenda of economic and social reform.
A win for Pastef would provide Faye with a strong mandate to implement the radical policies he campaigned on during his March election, focusing on economic transformation and social justice. Opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Amadou Ba and Dakar’s Mayor Barthelemy Dias, have already conceded, despite votes still being tallied.
Official results are expected later today. The election, held peacefully across Senegal, did see some clashes between party supporters leading up to the vote.
Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre expressed gratitude for the public’s support, praising the “large victory” Pastef had secured. However, the party has not disclosed the number of seats it has won. To hold a majority in the 165-seat National Assembly, Pastef needs at least 83 seats.
Despite the victory, Faye and his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who is barred from presidential candidacy, have faced difficulties passing reforms in the opposition-heavy parliament. The pair campaigned on an Afrocentric, nationalist platform, promising to reframe Senegal’s ties with France and emphasize anti-corruption measures.
As the youngest elected president in Africa at 44, Faye has garnered support from young voters with his promises of economic change and social equity. However, challenges remain, including high unemployment rates and struggling public finances.
Former President Macky Sall, now in exile, has accused Pastef of “massive electoral fraud” without providing specifics, further intensifying the political tension in the country.