Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegalese went to polls on Sunday, November 17, 2024, in legislative elections that delivered a decisive victory to the ruling party led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Preliminary results project 129 of the 165 National Assembly seats for the presidential coalition, marking a significant consolidation of power for Sonko’s PASTEF party.

The fragmented opposition managed only 20 seats, split between the Takku Wallu coalition with 15 and Samm Sa Kaadu with 5. Sixteen seats remain to be allocated, but the current tally underscores the diminished influence of opposition forces.

Opposition Concedes Defeat

Key opposition figures quickly acknowledged the scale of the ruling party’s victory. Barthélémy Dias, the Mayor of Dakar and head of the Samm Sa Kaadu coalition, congratulated PASTEF and praised the electorate’s political maturity. In a statement on social media, Dias reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity in Senegal.

“This election was a shining example of the political maturity of the Senegalese people, who were able to make their voices heard while respecting republican values,” he remarked.

Amadou Ba, leader of the Jàmm Ak Njariñ coalition and former prime minister, also conceded, emphasizing the democratic process’s integrity. “This moment, beyond divisions, is a victory for our democracy and for Senegal,” Ba said, urging continued focus on collaboration and service to the nation.

Bougane Gueye Dany, leader of the Gueum Sa Bopp Les Jambars movement, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the will of the Senegalese people. Referring to PASTEF’s earlier presidential victory in March, he said, “The Senegalese voted and confirmed their choice of March 24.”

Low Voter Turnout Amid Smooth Voting Process

Despite the peaceful nature of the election, voter turnout was notably low, with only 49.72% of registered voters participating. Analysts attribute the 50.28% abstention rate to growing political apathy and a sense of inevitability surrounding the ruling party’s dominance.

Implications for Governance

If these results are confirmed, PASTEF will wield a commanding majority in the National Assembly, granting it significant legislative power. This dominance is expected to facilitate the passage of bills and bolster Sonko’s agenda, potentially reshaping Senegal’s political and economic landscape.

The election marks a pivotal moment for Senegal, reinforcing the ruling coalition’s authority while prompting calls for a revitalized and united opposition. As the nation moves forward, both winners and losers have underscored the importance of unity, democracy, and collective progress.