Home West Africa Political Parties Slugfest Senegal’s Legislative Elections

Political Parties Slugfest Senegal’s Legislative Elections

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Political Parties Slugfest Senegal’s Legislative Elections

(3 Minutes Read)

Faye came to power in a landslide victory in April, promising to crack down on corruption and improve livelihoods. Just six months later, he dissolved parliament accusing lawmakers in the opposition-led assembly of blocking him from executing the promised changes.

 The opposition and the government are battling to control the capital, Dakar, as the snap legislative elections are approaching. Activists from the opposition coalition canvass door-to-door across the city.  The government supporters are also large in numbers and are actively canvassing. Both sides exude confidence over victory.

Faye came to power in a landslide victory in April, promising to crack down on corruption and improve livelihoods. Just six months later, he dissolved parliament accusing lawmakers in the opposition-led assembly of blocking him from executing the promised changes.

He called for new elections, hoping to win a majority that can secure his mandate. However, it may not be a cakewalk for the ruling party. The biggest threat comes from Senegal’s influential former presidents, Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, who have formed a rival coalition. There are also defections from this hurriedly knit-up coalition to the government camp.

The move has been condemned by the opposition and endorsed by the ruling party. Some say this raises questions, particularly as Pastef opposed these actions when it was the opposition.

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Voters in Senegal will be choosing 165 lawmakers on 17 November in an election that is fought keenly, so much so that political analysts are wary of any prediction.