Senegal’s President Faye Calls for Snap Election to Secure Support for Reforms

Senegal’s parliamentary elections have concluded, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye seeking a strong majority to fulfill his promises of ambitious⁢ reforms ‍that propelled‌ him to power eight months⁢ ago.

Over seven million out of‌ the country’s 17 million citizens were⁢ eligible to cast their votes on Sunday to elect members of the 165-seat National Assembly for a five-year term. Polling stations opened ⁢at 8am (08:00 GMT) and closed at 6pm (18:00 GMT).‍ Initial results are anticipated by Monday morning, ‍with the final tally expected later in the⁤ week.

Faye’s victory in March was based on commitments to economic revitalization, social equity, and‍ anti-corruption efforts – instilling hope in a ‍predominantly young population grappling with high inflation ‌and widespread joblessness. He dissolved the National Assembly in September.

Following his win, Faye appointed his outspoken mentor Ousmane Sonko as ‍prime ⁣minister after Sonko was disqualified ⁤from running for president due to defamation charges against ⁤him.

The duo advocated for a ⁤progressive pan-African agenda – vowing to broaden political and economic alliances, reassess hydrocarbon ⁤and fishing⁢ agreements,⁣ and reclaim Senegal’s sovereignty which they ‍claimed had been “sold off internationally”.

An opposition-controlled parliament hindered the government’s initial months in office, prompting Faye ‌to dissolve ‍it in ‍September and call⁣ for snap elections as‍ soon as legally permissible.

Scholars note that Senegalese‍ voters typically reaffirm their presidential choice during parliamentary polls, making the‌ ruling Pastef⁣ party the frontrunner for victory.

Earlier this year saw Senegal⁢ experience its worst unrest in decades ⁣leading up⁣ to ‍the ⁣presidential election. Former President Macky Sall postponed the originally scheduled February vote causing turmoil within the nation.‌ This ⁣delay resulted in violent⁤ protests along ⁣with resistance from the country’s highest court.

The presidential election finally took place on March 24,…

Source from⁤ www.aljazeera.com