Senegal's Top Court Upholds Ruling Party's Landslide Election Victory

Senegal's Path to Reform - Challenges and Opportunities

"That means there are unlikely to be major changes." 

Senegal's new government faces significant challenges as it seeks to implement reforms and address the country's economic and social issues. Can President Diomaye deliver on his promises and create a more inclusive democracy?

PASTEF, the ruling party in Senegal, has secured a landslide victory in the recent legislative elections, winning 130 out of 165 seats. This is a significant increase from the 56 seats they held prior to the election. The Constitutional Council confirmed this outcome on Wednesday.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's party now has a clear majority, giving him a strong mandate to implement the ambitious reforms he promised during his election campaign. Notably, Diomaye was elected in March on an anti-establishment platform, which resonated with the electorate.

In a bold move, President Diomaye dissolved the opposition-led parliament in September, paving the way for early elections. This decision aimed to break the tension between the legislature and the executive, ultimately allowing for a more stable and effective government.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, at just 44 years old, is Africa's youngest elected leader. He has pledged to bring about significant changes in Senegal through economic transformation, social justice, and anti-corruption reforms. These reforms are outlined in the Senegal 2050 agenda, a comprehensive 25-year political roadmap.

According to Pape Ibrahima Kane, a Dakar-based political analyst, “We hope that they will implement the promised reforms.” Kane acknowledges that implementing these reforms won't be an easy task. He also notes that the documents detailing the reforms are currently provisional, with more specifics expected to emerge next year.

Kane expressed skepticism about the likelihood of significant changes, stating, “That means there are unlikely to be major changes.” He did, however, mention that discussions are scheduled to commence on revitalizing key sectors such as the judiciary, transportation, and education.

Realistically, meaningful change in Senegal may only be achievable with financial support from international partners. The country's previous president, Macky Sall, faced declining popularity due to his repressive governance style and stagnant economic policies. Despite the change in leadership, pressing issues such as high living costs, escalating energy prices, growing poverty, and rising unemployment persist, having previously sparked violent protests.

Ousmane Sonko, the leader of the PASTEF party, was barred from running in the presidential election due to a defamation conviction. Instead, he threw his support behind Diomaye's candidacy.

The dynamic duo of Diomaye and Sonko, both former opposition figures and tax officials, rose to power in March with overwhelming support from young Senegalese. Their charismatic and youthful energy resonated with the electorate.

Initially, a court ruling prohibited Sonko from running for the presidency. As a result, his deputy, Diomaye, became the presidential candidate. Following Diomaye's election victory, Sonko assumed the role of prime minister.

Sonko, a prominent figure in Senegal's politics, repeatedly accused the outgoing government of corruption, cronyism, and kleptocracy. This led to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund putting their relations with Senegal on hold. As a result, the new government, led by Diomaye, inherited a state in dire financial straits.

Upon taking office, Diomaye took drastic measures, dissolving the National Assembly and calling for new elections. This move was motivated by his frustration with parliamentarians who were unprepared to discuss the budget law. Diomaye's actions reflect his commitment to addressing the country's financial woes and restoring transparency in governance.

Ibrahima Aidara, a renowned expert from Senegal's Gaston Berger University, cautioned that the road ahead would be challenging. He noted that drafting and adopting the 2025 budget would be “a marathon” following the official election results. This underscores the need for swift and decisive action to revitalize Senegal's economy and address its financial health.

To effectively address the needs of the Senegalese people, the government's priorities should focus on practical and achievable goals. This means recognizing the promises made during the election campaign, particularly in areas such as:

° Institutional Reform, 

° Youth Employment, 

° Anti-Corruption, 

° Accountability, 

° Education, and 

° Health.

These priorities should be aligned with the overall strategy for the country's development, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to drive progress in these critical areas. By focusing on these pragmatic priorities, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of the Senegalese people and set the country on a path towards sustainable growth and development.

Creating trust “The other priorities will revolve around dialogue and political stability. They should initiate constructive dialogue with other political parties, to promote a culture of trust,” Aidara told DW.

Aidara emphasized that the proposed reforms provide a comprehensive vision for the future and a clear roadmap for the next five years of Diomaye's presidency. This suggests that the government is committed to implementing significant changes that will have a lasting impact on the country.

Pape Ibrahima Kane expressed optimism about the prospects for reform in Senegal, stating that there is genuine political will to drive change and meet the expectations of the Senegalese people. However, he also cautioned that the implementation of these reforms may be a gradual process that unfolds over several years.

Kane highlighted Senegal's robust democratic traditions, noting that the country has never experienced a military coup, despite the occasional controversy surrounding election results. As Kane observed, “This is a clear indicator that the political system is well-organized in Senegal.” This stability is further reinforced by the widespread acceptance of election outcomes, with losers often congratulating the winners and facilitating a smooth transition.

Young Senegalese are driving change in their country, with clear demands for a better future. The influence of religious leaders, once a dominant force, is waning, and other power players are also losing their grip. This shift is a testament to the growing confidence of Senegalese citizens in their democratic system.

According to Kane, elitism remains a major obstacle to progress. The elite wield significant control, often prioritizing their interests over those of the broader population. Kane emphasizes the need to bridge this gap, stating, “We need more years to end this rift between the elite and the citizens and ensure that our political system is credible.” This highlights the ongoing struggle to create a more inclusive and representative democracy in Senegal.