2024-11-16 21:56:00
The legislative elections of November 17, 2024 mark a crucial stage in the political history of Senegal. After the coming to power of Pastef (African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity), led by Ousmane Sonko, these elections will determine the composition of the National Assembly and, by extension, the future of reforms keys promised by the government. Furthermore, they represent an opportunity for the opposition, grouped around large coalitions such as Takku-Wallu Senegal, Jamm ak Njarin and Samm sa Kaddu, to strengthen their influence on the political game. There are 41 lists, respecting gender parity, but no woman is at the top of the list.
The candidates nominated on the 41 lists for the legislative elections took advantage of the last day of campaigning yesterday to throw their last strength into the battle. The vote will see the two former presidential rivals, Ousmane Sonko and Macky Sall, clash. The former Senegalese president, who campaigned from Morocco, was able to count on his teams and running mates to mobilize his supporters on the eve of the elections. These legislative elections were announced after the dissolution of the Senegalese parliament by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who started the process by declaring that the parliament controlled by the opposition was preventing him from acting and implementing his projects. Nearly 7.4 million registered voters, out of a population of 18 million, are expected to vote.
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A return match Macky Sall vs Ousmane Sonko
Macky Sall facing Ousmane Sonko. This is the poster for which many Senegalese were preparing during the last presidential election. But at the end of an unprecedented political crisis, the outgoing president finally decided not to run for a third term, and his main opponent had to leave the lead to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who won the election by a large margin. Eight months later, the legislative elections which are being held this Sunday, November 17, therefore have all the appearance of a “return match” between the two men, each leading their list. The ex-president claims to have been “led” to return to the arena by “the circumstances of Senegalese political life”.
But Macky Sall, who campaigned from abroad, also seems to be engaged in a personal crusade against his best enemy, while seeking, according to many observers, to “defend himself” against the duo who took the reins of the country . For Macky Sall, these legislative elections constitute an issue of parliamentary immunity. By launching into battle again, it is about regaining control. For Ousmane Sonko, the objective is clear: to regain control of the National Assembly, by bringing in a wave of Pastef which will allow him to apply the policy of “rupture” that the Prime Minister and the Senegalese President have promised since their coming to power. Ousmane Sonko, who was particularly offensive in this campaign, notably increasing attacks against Bassirou’s predecessor Diomaye Faye, has still not delivered his general policy speech to the Senegalese parliament. His bet? Deliver it upon the inauguration of the Assembly resulting from the polls this Sunday, and which he hopes will be largely won over to his cause.
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For Pastef, a test of legitimacy and governance
For Pastef, Sunday’s vote is a test of legitimacy and governance. For Ousmane Sonko and his allies, these elections are a barometer of popular satisfaction with his governance. Faced with major challenges such as economic reforms, notably the reduction of inequalities and the optimization of oil and gas resources, social justice with a strong commitment to the fight against corruption and the review of public governance, or even the addressing political tensions by aiming to heal divisions, the ruling party must mobilize its electoral base while broadening its support in rural and urban areas, where social expectations are high. A parliamentary majority is crucial to implement his agenda without legislative obstruction.
For its part, the opposition claims that in eight months, Ousmane Sonko has spoken a lot and acted little. Divided into several coalitions, the opposition finds itself at a strategic crossroads. First, the Takku-Wallu Senegal coalition, dominated by the Alliance for the Republic (APR) and the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), is banking on the experience and return to favor of emblematic political figures to seduce nostalgic voters of the Sall and Wade years. Then there is Jamm ak Njarin. Focused on a discourse of social peace and economic justice, this coalition, led by Amadou Ba, candidate who came second in the last presidential election, embodies a moderate and reforming alternative. More radical towards the new regime embodied by Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, Samm sa Kaddu, which brings together emerging leaders, seeks to capture the vote of young people and urban elites in search of political renewal. For these coalitions, the legislative elections represent a chance to impose cohabitation which could slow down or reorient Pastef’s policies. One of the major challenges remains their ability to overcome their internal divisions to present a united front against the ruling party.
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A vote under high political and social tension
These elections are taking place in a context marked by strong political polarization, accentuated by the sometimes virulent speeches of the different camps, by high citizen expectations in terms of electoral transparency and responses to socio-economic problems, but also by questions about the role of young people and women as a decisive electorate, particularly in a country where these groups represent a large part of the population. The ability of each camp to convince these voters, particularly in strategic regions like Dakar, Thiès and Casamance, will be decisive. In any case, this November 17, 2024 could redraw the contours of Senegalese politics. If Pastef aspires to consolidate its power to pursue its agenda, the opposition, through its various coalitions, sees this election as an opportunity to rebalance forces and curb the ambitions of the ruling party. The results, beyond determining the parliamentary majority, will shape the immediate future of Senegal.
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How might the rivalry between Ousmane Sonko and Macky Sall influence voter turnout and political participation in Senegal?
**Interview with Dr. Aminata Diouf, Political Analyst in Senegal**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Diouf. The legislative elections coming up on November 17, 2024, are being described as a pivotal moment for Senegal’s political landscape. Can you help us understand the significance of these elections?
**Dr. Aminata Diouf:** Thank you for having me. These elections are indeed crucial. They will determine the composition of the National Assembly, which will directly influence the government’s ability to implement key reforms. We’re seeing a unique dynamic here, with Ousmane Sonko’s party, Pastef, coming to power, while the opposition is rallying around coalitions like Takku-Wallu Senegal and Jamm ak Njarin. This election will not only test the ruling party’s popularity but also provide a chance for the opposition to gain a stronger foothold.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the opposition. How do you see their strategy playing out in this election?
**Dr. Diouf:** The opposition seems to be at a crossroads. They are divided into various coalitions, each with its own narrative. For instance, Takku-Wallu Senegal is drawing on the nostalgia connected to former leaders, while Jamm ak Njarin aims to position itself as a reformative alternative. However, they seem to be leveraging criticisms of Sonko’s actions during his time in power. Their challenge will be to present a unified message while appealing to the electorate’s diverse needs.
**Interviewer:** There appears to be a significant level of tension between Ousmane Sonko and former President Macky Sall even amid these elections. Could you elaborate on this rivalry?
**Dr. Diouf:** Absolutely. This election can be seen as a ‘return match’ between Sonko and Sall. Although Sall has stepped back from direct competition in the presidential race, he is still a significant figure, and his campaigning from abroad illustrates his ongoing influence. Sonko, on the other hand, is aiming to solidify his control in the National Assembly to push through his agenda without legislative obstacles. This clash is more than just personal; it represents a larger struggle over the future direction of Senegal.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the key issues that voters will face as they head to the polls?
**Dr. Diouf:** Voters will be weighing the pressing issues of economic reform, social justice, and the management of natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Additionally, there’s a strong desire for transparency and a commitment to fighting corruption. The ruling party needs to demonstrate that it can deliver on these promises, while the opposition will focus on holding them accountable for any shortcomings during their time in power.
**Interviewer:** with nearly 7.4 million registered voters, what role do you think public sentiment will play in this election?
**Dr. Diouf:** Public sentiment will be critical. This election serves as a barometer for the population’s satisfaction with the government’s performance since Sonko took office. If voters feel that their needs have not been addressed or that promises made have fallen short, we could see a strong backlash against the ruling party. Conversely, if Sonko is able to mobilize support effectively, it could lead to a significant consolidation of power for Pastef. Voter turnout will also be a key indicator of engagement and sentiment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Diouf, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how these elections unfold.
**Dr. Diouf:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly an exciting time for Senegal.