Senegal's ruling Pastef party, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, secured a commanding majority in Thursday's legislative elections, winning 130 out of 165 seats, according to provisional results.
If officially confirmed, such a decisive victory could provide Faye with a strong mandate to implement his ambitious reform program, focused on job creation, lower prices, and improved public services.
"It is very important not only in terms of the legitimacy of the new authorities but also regarding our technical and financial partners that they know that there are people standing behind this new government," Pastef representative Amadou Ba expressed. "I believe this will only accelerate the process of structural reforms in our economy and our society."
While the large majority strengthens Faye's position domestically and signals strong public support for his agenda, analysts point to the significant challenge of balancing the electorate's expectations with fiscal realities.
Senegal is currently struggling with a significant budget deficit and high debt, problems recently revealed in an audit by the new government and larger than reported by the previous administration. This has stalled a $1.9 billion IMF program agreed upon in June 2023.
However, negotiations with the IMF to resume financial assistance are expected to continue until mid-2025, presenting a major economic hurdle for the new government.