As Senegal approaches its parliamentary elections on November 17, political parties are intensifying their efforts to win over voters through vibrant campaigns marked by fireworks displays, packed rallies, and town-to-town caravans. The upcoming elections are pivotal, as they will determine the extent to which newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye can advance his agenda to tackle corruption and enhance living standards—a mandate that propelled him to victory in April.

President Faye, who secured his position with a significant 54% of the vote, has faced mounting pressure to fulfill his promises. He accused opposition lawmakers in the previous national assembly of stalling meaningful discussions on the budget and other key proposals, leading him to dissolve parliament last month and call for new legislative elections.

Campaigning officially began on Sunday, with Faye’s Pastef party vying for a majority that would solidify his mandate. However, the former ruling parties have united to form a formidable coalition, bringing together influential ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, who together held 106 of the 165 seats in the outgoing assembly.

“This election has symbolic significance,” said political analyst Mamadou Seck. “The critical challenge today is for Diomaye Faye to understand whether the people who elected him still support his programme.” The stakes are high as Faye’s government recently announced an ambitious 25-year development plan aimed at boosting local industry, diversifying the economy, and generating jobs for Senegal’s rapidly growing population.

This election marks the first time Pastef is contesting without a coalition, signaling a test of their strength and influence in the political landscape. To bolster their chances, the party has also enlisted support from former allies of Sall, which could be a strategic move to attract a broader voter base.

In addition to the Pastef party, two smaller opposition coalitions led by former Prime Minister Amadou Ba and Dakar Mayor Barthelemy Dias are also competing for voter attention.

“I wish all Senegalese and all political actors a peaceful and dignified electoral campaign, and I guarantee that … the best will win,” Faye stated on national television last Friday, underscoring the importance of a fair electoral process as the country prepares for a decisive political moment.