Senegal’s ruling Pastef party has achieved a decisive victory in the country’s legislative elections, securing 130 out of 165 seats in parliament, according to preliminary results released Thursday. This landslide win gives newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a strong mandate to pursue the ambitious reforms he pledged during his campaign, including tackling corruption, revamping the fishing sector, and harnessing the country’s natural resources for greater economic benefit.
Amadou Ba, a spokesperson for Pastef, addressed the media following the announcement of the results, emphasizing that the party’s overwhelming majority represents a clear vote of confidence from the Senegalese people. He noted that this victory not only enhances the legitimacy of the new government but also reassures Senegal’s international partners, including financial institutions. “This mandate will accelerate the process of much-needed structural reforms in our economy and society,” Ba said in comments broadcast on state television.
The main opposition coalition, led by former President Macky Sall, secured just 16 seats. Sall, acknowledging the results, congratulated Pastef on X (formerly Twitter) on election day, while two other major opposition leaders conceded defeat shortly after the polls closed on Sunday.
Ousmane Sonko, Pastef’s influential prime minister, is widely seen as the architect of the party’s success. Sonko, who took office alongside Faye in March following a landslide victory, had faced challenges in working with an opposition-dominated parliament, which hampered his government’s ability to implement key policies. In response, he dissolved parliament on September 12 and called for snap elections, ultimately leading to this commanding victory.
Faye and Sonko have pledged to broaden Senegal’s political and economic alliances, revisit agreements in the hydrocarbon and fishing industries, and restore the country’s sovereignty, which they argue has been undermined by external influence. With this new parliamentary majority, the government is now positioned to move forward with its reform agenda, addressing long-standing issues of economic growth and governance.
