Fiscal crisis and security problems are on the front burner as the people of Senegal vote in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. The elections are seen as a poll on the performance of President Bassirou Faye as it would determine whether his party can gain control of the parliament and drive through their reform agenda.
The stakes are very high in these elections with the current financial crisis dominating the headlines and preventing the Faye administration from delivering on its campaign promises.
Campaigns have taken a harsh tone in recent weeks highlighting the tight and unpredictable nature of Sunday’s election. In fact, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, known for his fierce tone, said that his supporters had come under attack and urged them to take revenge. He has also warned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
Senegal has been battling rising inflation, cost of living and a growing youth demography, all of which could determine how the people will vote on Sunday.
Over 7 million people are eligible to vote and elect various candidates for the 165-seat Assembly, choosing among the 41 registered political parties for the seats.
Senegal is battling a huge budget deficit which the current government says is more than what was reported by its predecessor. To tackle the problem, the government is pursuing an IMF bailout program which is currently on hold due to auditing of its account.
Sunday’s election is a big test for Faye in his quest to solve the current fiscal crisis as the youngest elected leader in Sub Saharan Africa.
