Senegal is set to hold legislative elections on Sunday, a crucial vote that will determine if the new president and government can secure control of the National Assembly and advance their reform agenda.
The stakes are high, with the potential for renewed unrest following a period of relative calm. Earlier this year, Senegal experienced some of the most intense violence in its recent history during the lead-up to the March presidential election.
In recent days, campaigning has become increasingly heated, coming at a delicate time for the new government as it grapples with a worsening fiscal crisis. This economic strain threatens to hamper the administration’s ability to fulfill promises of economic growth and job creation. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, known for his intense oratory, alleged this week that his supporters faced attacks, calling on them to retaliate if necessary. Sonko cautioned that the government’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, saying, “Let them not think we have softened—our strength is still there, though we haven’t shown it.”
For many Senegalese voters, top concerns are jobs and the economy, with rising inflation hitting incomes hard and a large youth population struggling to find employment. More than seven million registered voters will cast ballots for 165 seats in the National Assembly, with 41 parties or entities in contention. Polls open at 8 a.m. (0800 GMT) and close at 6 p.m.
“We want a lower cost of living, affordable water, electricity, and transport so that everyone can live decently,” said Cheikh Diagne, a street vendor in Dakar’s city center.
Historically, Senegalese voters have supported the president’s party in parliamentary elections, according to Babacar Ndiaye, research director at the think-tank WATHI. “When they choose a president, they tend to give that president the power to govern,” he explained, noting that past presidents have generally secured a majority in the Assembly soon after taking office.
Senegal faces a looming debt crisis, with the new government reporting that the budget deficit is larger than initially disclosed. An International Monetary Fund (IMF) program worth $1.9 billion is currently on hold pending an audit review.
The ruling party Pastef’s main challenge comes from an unexpected alliance between two opposition parties, including the Republic Party (APR), led by former Prime Minister Macky Sall. Two other opposition coalitions are also in the race, including one led by Dakar’s mayor, Barthelemy Dias, who has clashed with Pastef supporters.
Mariam Wane Ly, a former parliamentarian and prominent advocate for women in Senegalese politics, said the campaign has provided a valuable platform for leaders to outline their plans. She believes Pastef is likely to secure the majority it seeks, adding, “I think this could address much of the public’s discontent.”
