Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The Pastef/Les Patriotes party, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, is poised to solidify its dominance in Senegal’s political landscape following resounding victories in the early legislative elections. Competing against over forty opposing lists, Pastef emerged victorious in several key departments, including Dakar, Mbacké, Keur Massar, Pikine, and Thiès—regions that account for the largest number of parliamentary seats.
The results reinforce Pastef’s growing influence, which began with its success in the presidential elections last March. Early trends indicate that the party has captured an electoral majority, reflecting its expanding support base across the country.
Decisive Victories in Dakar and Beyond
In the capital Dakar, Pastef has outperformed its rivals, dealing a significant blow to prominent opposition figures. Barthélémy Dias, the head of the Takku-Wallu coalition, suffered losses in his stronghold of Mermoz-Sacré-Cœur and even his polling station. Similarly, Amadou Ba of the Jamm ak Jeriñ Coalition was defeated in Parcelles Assainies, with Pastef scoring heavily in his area. The suburban strongholds of Guédiawaye and Keur Massar also leaned heavily in favor of Pastef, further consolidating its position in urban centers.
Touba and the Mbacké department, traditional strongholds of Sonko’s camp, delivered landslide victories for Pastef. In southern Senegal, including Ziguinchor, Bignona, and Sédhiou, Sonko’s base remained steadfast, granting the party a commanding lead over its opponents.
Challenging Longtime Bastions
In Eastern Senegal, Pastef made significant gains in Tambacounda and Kédougou, unseating prominent figures like Sidiki Kaba, despite backing from the Sam Sa Kaddu coalition. The victories extended to Linguère and Dahra, where El Malick Ndiaye led Pastef to its first-ever wins in these municipalities.
Even in traditionally resistant regions such as Mbour and Kaffrine, Pastef showcased its growing appeal. The party secured eight out of nine communes in Kaffrine and made strides in Mbour, though it faced stiff competition from government-aligned coalitions.
Takku-Wallu Retains Some Ground
Despite Pastef’s surge, the Takku-Wallu coalition led by former President Macky Sall managed to hold on to its bases in the northern regions of Fatick and Matam. Podor and Dagana also remained loyal to Sall’s camp, with Oumar Sarr retaining his stronghold in the latter.
Diaspora Support Propels Pastef
Pastef’s influence extended beyond Senegal’s borders, capturing all polling stations in Paris and Asia. However, the diaspora vote was more mixed in Central Africa, where Macky Sall maintained notable support in countries like Gabon and Congo.
The Road Ahead
With the legislative elections signaling a dramatic shift in Senegal’s political dynamics, Pastef’s victories underscore a growing demand for change among voters. As the results solidify, the party is set to navigate the challenges of governance while capitalizing on its strengthened mandate.
