Political Alliance Shakes Up Senegal's Legislative Elections

Senegal's former ruling parties, led by ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, have formed a coalition for the upcoming legislative election on Nov. 17. This unexpected alliance could challenge President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's efforts to maintain a majority and implement reforms, potentially destabilizing the political landscape.

Senegal's political scene was electrified on Sunday as the former ruling parties, led by ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, announced an unexpected coalition ahead of the snap legislative election scheduled for Nov. 17. This move poses a significant challenge to the newly-elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Sall's Alliance for the Republic (APR) and Wade's Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) controlled 106 of the 165 seats in the outgoing national assembly. Since taking office, President Faye and his firebrand prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, have implemented financial audits, travel bans on former officials, and appointed party loyalists to key positions, causing friction with previous allies.

The coalition between APR and PDS could derail Faye's Pastef party's bid for a majority, undermining his envisioned reforms and further unsettling Senegal's political landscape. Dissolving the house on September 12 after the opposition blocked executive bills, Faye faces a formidable challenge. Additionally, ex-prime minister Idrissa Seck has also joined this coalition, aiming for a decisive win in the legislative polls.

Formerly aligned with the Yewwi Askan Wi opposition coalition, Pastef will contest the upcoming election independently. A win or loss for either side promises to significantly reshape Senegal's political future.

(With inputs from agencies.)