Campaigning Heats Up in Senegal Ahead of Snap Legislative Elections

As Senegal braces for its upcoming snap legislative elections, the political landscape is heating up with intensified campaigning and rising tensions among the country’s leading political parties. The elections, set to take place on December 2, 2024, are being seen as a critical turning point for the West African nation, which has long been heralded as a beacon of democracy in the region.
The call for early elections, triggered by political tensions and challenges within the ruling party, has sparked a flurry of activity as parties vie for control of the National Assembly. With political alliances shifting and the public deeply engaged in debates, the elections are expected to have a significant impact on the future direction of Senegal’s government and its economic priorities.
The Context Behind the Snap Elections
The decision to hold snap elections was announced earlier this year after a standoff between President Macky Sall’s ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition and the opposition parties. The political turmoil stems from growing discontent within the public regarding issues such as economic inequality, unemployment, and corruption. Opposition parties have also accused the government of consolidating power and undermining democratic institutions.
The elections were initially scheduled for 2025, but President Sall’s decision to call for early elections has added an element of urgency to the political environment. His supporters argue that the snap elections are necessary to refresh the mandate of the National Assembly and ensure greater political stability in the face of global economic challenges. However, critics contend that the elections are an attempt to consolidate power ahead of potential presidential ambitions in 2025, as Sall’s second and final term nears its end.
The Political Parties and Alliances
As the campaigning period intensifies, the political arena in Senegal is increasingly divided, with key players positioning themselves for power. The ruling BBY coalition, led by President Sall’s Alliance for the Republic (APR) party, remains the dominant force but faces increasing challenges from both traditional opposition groups and new political alliances.

The Opposition: The main opposition alliance, known as the Yewwi Askan Wi (Yaw) coalition, has emerged as a powerful counterforce. Led by former Mayor of Dakar, Khalifa Sall, and Ousmane Sonko, the leader of the Pastef party, Yaw has gained considerable traction among young voters and disenfranchised citizens. Yaw’s platform focuses on anti-corruption, job creation, and social justice, with promises to dismantle the current government’s hold on power.
The Coalition of Alternatives: Another rising force in Senegal’s political landscape is the Wallu Senegal coalition, which brings together smaller parties and former allies of President Sall. Their platform emphasizes national unity, the need for economic reforms, and an increased focus on infrastructure development. However, their chances are somewhat hampered by the coalition’s lack of a clear central figure and divisions within the ranks.
Independents and New Movements: Independent candidates and new political movements, especially those led by youth activists, are also playing a key role in this election. The #MeToo Senegal movement, which focuses on gender equality and youth empowerment, has gained significant momentum, with young women running for legislative seats in an effort to change the political dynamics of a traditionally male-dominated system.

Issues at the Forefront of the Campaigns
As the parties hit the campaign trail, the issues that will shape the 2024 legislative elections are becoming clearer. These include:

Economic Inequality: Senegal has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, especially with developments in the oil and gas sector. However, many ordinary citizens still face high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. The gap between the wealthy urban elite and the rural poor remains wide. Opposition parties are focusing on policies that aim to redistribute wealth more equitably.
Youth Unemployment: With over 60% of Senegal’s population under the age of 25, unemployment is one of the most pressing concerns. The youth are calling for more job opportunities, improved education, and greater access to economic opportunities. Both the ruling and opposition parties are addressing youth unemployment as a key platform issue.
Corruption: Despite progress in some areas, corruption remains a major challenge. The opposition has accused the Sall administration of enabling corruption within state institutions. Transparency, anti-corruption measures, and promises of accountability are central to the opposition’s messaging.
Governance and Democracy: The opposition has also criticized what they see as a crackdown on dissent, including the imprisonment of opposition figures like Ousmane Sonko on charges they claim are politically motivated. The ruling party has responded by stressing its commitment to national stability and economic growth, but the opposition has seized upon these issues to galvanize support.
Senegal’s Role in West Africa: As the political landscape heats up in Senegal, the country’s role in the broader West African context is also being considered. Senegal is a member of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and has played a leading role in regional diplomacy and peacekeeping. The elections are expected to signal to the region how Senegal intends to navigate its relationships with neighboring countries, particularly as instability grows in the Sahel region.

Voter Engagement and Tensions on the Ground
The lead-up to the elections has been marked by increasing political polarization. Protests and counter-protests have erupted in cities like Dakar and Thies as political rallies and street demonstrations intensify. There are concerns about electoral violence and intimidation, with both sides accusing each other of using social media platforms to spread misinformation and incite unrest.
Election observers have called for a peaceful and transparent process, urging political leaders to commit to ensuring free and fair elections. While Senegal has a strong democratic tradition, there are fears that tensions over the results could spill into violence, particularly if the opposition perceives the elections as unfair or manipulated.
The elections in Senegal are drawing the attention of the international community, with foreign governments and international organizations urging all parties to respect the democratic process. Senegal’s strong democratic institutions, however, remain a point of pride for the nation. European Union observers are expected to monitor the election, while other international partners, including the United States, have reiterated their support for a transparent process.
As Senegal heads into the snap legislative elections, the country finds itself at a crossroads. President Sall has vowed to continue his push for economic reforms, while the opposition is pushing for greater accountability and a fairer distribution of resources. For many Senegalese citizens, this election represents a crucial moment in the country’s political evolution—one that could shape the future of its democracy and governance for years to come.
Whether the elections lead to a peaceful transition of power or a period of heightened tension and conflict will depend on how both the ruling party and the opposition choose to navigate the challenges ahead. The eyes of West Africa—and the world—are on Senegal as it steps into the spotlight once again.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High
With only a few weeks to go, the stakes for the 2024 snap legislative elections in Senegal couldn’t be higher. Voter turnout, the conduct of the political campaigns, and the transparency of the election process will all be key factors in determining the outcome. As citizens head to the polls, they will decide not only the future of the National Assembly but also the direction in which Senegal is headed politically, economically, and socially in the years to come.