Senegal’s Path to Early Legislative Elections

Following the dissolution of the National Assembly on September 12, 2024, Senegal is moving towards early legislative elections. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has been in power for five months, is facing difficulties in implementing his program due to a National Assembly dominated by the former ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yakaar.

The National Assembly has been playing its role as an anti-power and law-maker in parliament, opposing the new executive power. Recently, on September 2, the deputies rejected the constitutional review project of the new executive power, which aimed to eliminate two institutions considered unnecessary and costly.

No Confidence in the Government

By seeking the resignation of the government, the parliamentary opposition has put itself in a posture of no confidence. This move has hindered the new Executive Committee’s ability to take action, and President Diomaye Faye is left with no choice but to use his prerogatives to address the situation.

The President has already asked for the opinion of the President of the National Assembly, as required by law, and the Constitutional Council has ensured that the President can legally declare the dissolution of the National Assembly from September 12, 2024.

Building a Majority in Parliament

President Diomaye Faye technically and politically needs to build a majority in parliament to give himself free rein in his act as head of state. With only 23 delegates from his party, the Senegalese African Patriots for work, ethics and fraternity (PASTEF), he requires a stronger presence in the 165-delegate assembly.

The situation is reminiscent of Abdoulaye Wade’s scenario, and it seems that Senegal is heading towards a similar path with Bassirou Diomaye Faye. However, the context and forces involved make this path risky, and the Head of State may need to consider a path of political compromise to give himself room to maneuver.

A Call for Popular Legitimacy

Ultimately, President Diomaye Faye will need to seek popular legitimacy in parliament to implement his program properly. The sooner he does this, the better. The key is not just to declare the abolition of parliament but to work towards becoming the winner of the legislative elections that will follow.