FORMER president Macky Sall has confirmed his candidacy for the Senegalese National Assembly in the upcoming parliamentary elections on November 17. Leading the opposition coalition Takku Wallu Senegal, which includes key allies like former President Abdoulaye Wade’s Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), Sall aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping Senegal’s political landscape.
The 62-year-old, who served as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024, will be vying for a parliamentary seat after the dissolution of parliament in September. This move was initiated by current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who expressed frustration with the opposition-dominated parliament, citing challenges in advancing his government’s agenda.
Coalition for change: Takku Wallu Senegal
Formed in September 2024, the Takku Wallu Senegal coalition (meaning ‘Let’s Unite to Save Senegal’ in Wolof) represents a significant alignment of opposition forces aiming to challenge the dominance of Faye’s government. This coalition is targeting a majority in the 165-member National Assembly, which would provide it with a stronger foothold to influence policy decisions and hold the government to account.
Sall, who accepted his nomination to stand for parliament, said his goal is to ‘keep the government in check’ and reverse what he sees as a decline in the economic progress his administration had achieved before he handed over the presidency to Faye. ‘The economic gains made under my leadership have been eroded under Faye’s rule,’ Sall commented, pointing to what he describes as missed opportunities for the country’s development under the current administration.
Faye’s challenge and Senegal’s political dynamics
The political stakes are high as Sall’s coalition faces off against Faye’s ruling PASTEF party, with further competition from over 30 other political parties. Faye, 44, succeeded Sall in April 2024 following his election, marking the end of a 12-year era of Sall’s leadership. While Sall’s administration is credited with significant infrastructure development and economic growth, Faye’s team argues that they inherited a poorly managed state.
The dissolution of the parliament was a strategic move by Faye to strengthen his legislative position. In Senegal, political parties present their candidate lists to the electoral commission (CENA), and voters choose the list they support on election day. The list with the most votes in a district claims all available seats in that district, with 112 seats allocated in this manner. The remaining 53 seats are filled based on the percentage of votes garnered nationwide.
Sall’s top position on the Takku Wallu Senegal list is a clear indication of his determination to remain a key player in Senegalese politics. His return to the political stage could significantly shift the balance of power in the National Assembly, particularly if his coalition succeeds in securing a majority.
Senegal’s voters and the election process
This year’s election will see nearly 7.4 million registered voters across Senegal, a country of approximately 18 million people. A five-year parliamentary term allows for a potentially dynamic and fluid political environment, as there are no term limits for parliamentary seats. Although Sall is at the top of his coalition’s list, he has indicated that he may relinquish the parliamentary seat to another top-ranked candidate within the coalition if elected, ensuring broader representation.
Looking ahead: electoral competition and foreign interests
The upcoming elections take place against a backdrop of increasing international interest in West Africa, as global powers like China, the US, and the EU compete for influence in the region. Senegal, known for its stable democratic processes and strong economic performance in West Africa, has attracted significant attention from these powers, with diplomatic and economic strategies at play behind the scenes.
Sall’s return to parliament could offer a shift in Senegal’s foreign policy approach, which has largely been aligned with France and other Western powers under his presidency. How this plays out in the context of Faye’s administration—still seen as more cautious in its international dealings—will be closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders.
A political landscape in flux
The November 17 elections will be a defining moment in Senegal’s political future. For Macky Sall, it represents an opportunity to maintain his influence and continue his legacy of economic development, while keeping the current government accountable. For Senegalese voters, the election is a chance to chart a new course, with the potential to decide the direction of the nation’s future—both at home and on the world stage.
In what is shaping up to be a highly competitive electoral race, the political landscape in Senegal is poised for change, with both Sall and Faye’s coalitions vying for dominance in the National Assembly. This election will not only determine the future of Senegal’s governance but also influence the broader dynamics of West African politics in the years to come.
