Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye has dissolved the National Assembly following weeks of growing strain between the government and the Parliament, which is controlled by the opposition. Although the action satisfies the desires of the president’s supporters, Senegalese civilians are divided on the matter.
Local observer Aïssatou Diallo claims the move is intentional, saying, “If they dissolve the Assembly, it’s because they see it serving their interests.” However, giving the incoming administration enough time to carry out its plan for the good of the people should be the actual focus.
Proponents of the ruling, such as Seydou Sow, contend that, given the state of politics today, the decision is not only lawful but also essential. “With the Assembly no longer supporting the president’s goals, the dissolution of Parliament is a wise move. He hasn’t broken any laws,” Sow remarked.
On the other hand, the opposition sees the move as a ploy. They have expressed worries about the speed at which elections are being scheduled and have questioned the legitimacy of eschewing the contentious sponsorship law.
The president’s strategy was questioned by opposition MP Moussa Diakhaté, who said, “They want elections in 60 days, but what about the law on sponsorship? Where’s the Constitutional Council’s opinion? This is just another way to manipulate the public and cheat in the upcoming elections.”
The stakes are very high as the nation gets ready for legislative elections on November 17. The opposition intends to exert a power-sharing agreement, but experts indicate they will have a difficult time doing so. In Senegal’s winner-take-all election system, political analyst André Bakhoum cautions that dispersed opposition lists may work in the government’s advantage.
“If the newly emerging majority holds after March 2024, the opposition will need to rethink its strategy to adapt,” Bakhoum said.
