Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The official announcement of Pastef’s resounding victory in Senegal’s snap legislative elections has garnered widespread commentary in the country’s major newspapers. The National Votes Census Commission confirmed the results on Thursday, solidifying Ousmane Sonko’s party as the dominant force in the National Assembly.

The coverage reflects both the optimism and the challenges that this political shift entails.

A Clear Mandate for Pastef

“The Patriots, Power 130,” headlines Le Soleil, emphasizing the scale of Pastef’s achievement. The paper reports that the party, led by Sonko, secured 130 of the 165 National Assembly seats, a feat attributed to their commanding 54.97% share of the vote. Magistrate Abdoulaye Bâ, president of the Court of Appeal of Dakar, oversaw the vote tabulation process. The results underscore a significant consolidation of Pastef’s influence, eclipsing all other political players.

The breakdown of the remaining seats reveals a fragmented opposition: Takku-Wallu won 16, Jamm ak Njérign 7, Samm sa Kaddu 3, and Andu Nawlé 2. Smaller parties benefitted from the “strongest remainder” system, securing one seat each.

Vox Populi highlights the geographical breadth of Pastef’s victory, noting that 29 deputies were elected on the national list, 101 from Senegal’s 40 departments, and 7 from overseas constituencies.

Diverse Reactions to a Political Shift

The papers explore the implications of this dramatic political realignment. Les Echos describes the incoming National Assembly as “an assembly of strong minds,” spotlighting influential figures such as Tasfir Thioye (Sopi), Cheikh Oumar Ann (Jamm ak Njérign), and Thierno Alassane Sall (Senegal Késé).

L’Info takes a more cautious tone, juxtaposing the “hopes” of reform with “fears” of political stagnation. The paper warns of potential discord, given the stark contrast between Pastef’s predominantly novice deputies and the seasoned opposition lawmakers. It also raises concerns about the possibility of renewed parliamentary immunity debates, particularly as accountability measures threaten to implicate members of the old regime.

A Restructured Political Landscape

The headline in Le Témoin, “The Pastef Raid Confirmed!,” underscores the transformative nature of this victory. The paper argues that this marks the collapse of Senegal’s traditional political parties, signaling a new era where Pastef is poised to reshape the country’s institutional framework.

Meanwhile, Le Quotidien reflects on the broader historical context, describing the moment as “a world is collapsing.” The paper situates Pastef’s triumph within a continuum of political shifts that began with former President Abdoulaye Wade’s dismantling of socialist dominance, followed by Macky Sall’s coalition-building efforts.

“Since March 2024, Senegal has been turning a new page,” writes the paper, referencing Sonko ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s presidential election earlier this year. Le Quotidien describes the “Pastification” of the nation, symbolized by Pastef’s success across key regions from Dakar to Ziguinchor, a result that has shaken the political establishment.

While Pastef’s victory heralds a significant change in Senegal’s political trajectory, the media coverage reflects a nuanced outlook. From hopes of a more accountable governance structure to concerns about legislative gridlock, the country’s newspapers capture the complexity of this moment.

As Pastef assumes its dominant position in the National Assembly, all eyes will be on how Ousmane Sonko and his party navigate their newfound power and the expectations of a nation ready for change.