In a significant political development, Senegal’s two former ruling parties, led by ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, have formed a coalition ahead of the snap legislative election scheduled for November 17. This unexpected partnership is set to challenge the authority of newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has been seeking to consolidate power for his Pastef party.
The Alliance for the Republic (APR), headed by Sall, and the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), led by Wade, announced their alliance on Sunday. Together, the two parties held a commanding 106 seats out of 165 in the previous national assembly, signaling a formidable challenge to Faye’s government. The coalition aims to gain a majority in the upcoming elections, a move that could significantly shift the balance of power in Senegal’s political landscape.
Since his election in April, President Faye, alongside his outspoken Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has embarked on an ambitious program of government reforms. They have launched financial audits targeting the former administration, imposed travel restrictions on several ex-officials, and appointed loyalists to key government positions. These actions have led to tensions with some of Faye’s initial allies, fueling discontent among opposition figures and former government officials.
The newly-formed APR-PDS coalition poses a direct threat to Faye’s goal of securing a majority in the national assembly. Without this majority, the president’s ability to push forward with his legislative agenda, including proposed reforms, will be severely hindered. This potential political deadlock raises concerns about increased instability in the country.
Earlier this month, in an attempt to break the political gridlock, Faye dissolved the national assembly on September 12, just two years into its five-year term. He cited difficulties in governing due to the opposition’s refusal to pass key legislation. The dissolution has set the stage for what is expected to be a highly contested election, with both sides vying for control of the legislative body.
In a joint statement, the APR and PDS declared that their coalition is open to other political parties and allies, with the aim of securing a broad-based victory in the legislative election. The coalition also received a boost with the inclusion of former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck, a veteran political figure who has run for the presidency multiple times.
Meanwhile, Faye’s Pastef party, which previously contested the 2022 legislative elections under the Yewwi Askan Wi coalition, will run independently in the upcoming vote. The Pastef party had won 56 seats in the last assembly under the opposition coalition but will now aim to expand its influence on its own.
This high-stakes election could reshape Senegal’s political environment. If the APR-PDS coalition gains a majority, it could severely limit President Faye’s ability to govern effectively and may derail his reform agenda. Analysts also warn that the political uncertainty could lead to unrest, as Senegal’s deeply polarized political scene navigates this crucial vote.
As the November 17 election draws near, both camps are rallying their supporters and strategizing for a showdown that could determine the future direction of the country.
