For the first time since its independence in 1960, Senegal’s ruling party has lost its absolute majority in Parliament.
Provisional results from Sunday’s vote showed President Macky Sall’s BBY won 82 out of 165 seats, one short of the 83 required for an absolute majority, while the alliance of opposition coalitions Yewwi Askane Wi (YAW) and the Wallu Senegal won 80.
The ruling party will have to liaise with other political parties in the parliament in order to pass legislation.
The opposition had hoped the elections would block any chances for President Macky Sall seeking for a third term. And it seems to have succeeded.
Although seven million Senegalese were eligible to vote in the election, the interior ministry said 47 percent participated in the polls.
The ruling coalition – which includes Sall’s party Alliance for the Republic (APR) and other parties lost 43 seats from the 125 it secured in 2017. According to local media; the opposition gained ground, particularly in urban areas.
Three other seats were won by three small coalitions who could serve as kingmakers. For the final results to be declared by the Constitutionnal Council; the competing coalitions will be given time to voice any concerns.
On Wednesday, the main opposition coalition asked the National Commission for the Census of Votes to suspend the publication of the results to examine complaints over alleged “irregularities” and “fraud” during the election.
