Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Barthélemy Dias, the mayor of Dakar and leader of Samm sa Kaddu, has faced a significant political blow in the legislative elections held on November 17. Despite his ambitions to leverage these elections as a springboard toward the 2029 presidential race, his strategies were shattered by the dominance of the opposition party Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko.
Dias’ defeat, even at his own polling station, marks a stark illustration of Pastef’s consolidation of power in the Dakar region.
Dias had framed the election as a duel against Sonko’s growing influence, hoping to solidify his position in Dakar and expand his political footprint nationwide. However, Pastef’s sweeping victory across Dakar undermined his plans. The party’s success in the capital region reinforces its trajectory since the triumphant presidential election of Diomaye eight months ago, where Pastef had already demonstrated its dominance.
Pastef’s Regional Gains
The legislative elections have once again confirmed the trend that the ruling party often maintains its grip in subsequent polls. Pastef extended its victories across key urban centers in the central and southern regions of Senegal, though it faced challenges in the northern stronghold of Fouta. Notably, Dakar was a critical battleground, where Pastef’s candidate Abass Fall gained substantial ground, positioning himself as a strong contender for the mayoral seat in the 2026 local elections.
Alioune Sall, a prominent political figure who distanced himself from his brother to align with Amadou Ba, retained control in Guédiawaye. Similarly, Pikine, traditionally a PDS stronghold, continued its support for the ruling coalition. Touba, another key area, showed signs of political realignment following the absence of Cheikh Oumar Diagne.
A Political Lesson for Dias
Dias’ decision to lead the national list of Samm sa Kaddu while avoiding direct competition with Abass Fall in Dakar has drawn criticism. His defeat underscores the challenges of countering the rising tide of Pastef in a region that has increasingly leaned toward the “Patriots.” Observers suggest that the mayor will need to recalibrate his political strategy as he prepares for the upcoming local elections in two years.
The elections, which some viewed as a test of Pastef’s post-presidential strength, have delivered a resounding endorsement of the party’s leadership in Dakar and beyond. For Barthélemy Dias and other opposition figures, the results are a stark reminder of the shifting political landscape in Senegal.
As the final tallies are awaited, Pastef appears poised to cement its hold on urban Senegal, setting the stage for a politically charged lead-up to the next local elections.
