As campaigning for the legislative elections commenced in Senegal over the weekend, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye sought to reassure voters that the upcoming 17 November polls would be conducted freely and transparently. He also urged all political actors to exercise “restraint”.
Speaking to journalists at the Palace of the Republic before the start of the campaigns, Faye stated: “I call on all Senegalese people, particularly political players from all sides, to avoid any excesses in their speeches and actions.”
“In recent days, we have observed comments and behaviours indicative of communalism, alongside verbal and physical threats in public forums and on social media. This is not the appropriate way to express our differences,” he added.
The Senegalese president emphasised the importance of “responsibility, restraint and moderation,” reiterating his assurance that the elections would be “free, democratic and transparent.”
A Break with the Past
The Senegalese electorate will choose a new parliament on 17 November, just eight months after the presidential election in which Faye secured victory in the first round with 54 per cent of the vote.
Campaigning officially began on Sunday.
Faye, elected on a platform of breaking with past practices, promoting social justice, and combating corruption, has faced persistent challenges from a hostile parliamentary majority. This has been the case since the legislative elections of 2022, despite the backing of his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
To secure a new majority, Faye dissolved the national assembly in September as soon as constitutional provisions allowed, paving the way for early elections.
The president also declared that Senegal was on a path to recovery, asserting: “The results of our reforms are beginning to be felt through tangible outcomes.”
