President Faye's Mandate Hangs in the Balance in Senegal's parliamentary vote

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is facing mounting pressure to deliver on his campaign promises to tackle corruption and enhance the livelihoods of Senegalese citizens, which propelled him to a landslide victory in the presidential election last April. As the newly elected leader, Faye has vowed to usher in an era of "sovereignty" and "rupture," particularly in regards to the country's ties with France and the controversial CFA franc currency.

Faye's administration has unveiled an ambitious 25-year development plan aimed at boosting local industry, a move seen as crucial in addressing the country's economic challenges. The plan is expected to improve the living standards of Senegalese citizens, who have been grappling with high costs of living, youth unemployment, and social inequalities despite the country's economic growth.

 HIS KEY FACTORS

- Anti-Corruption Efforts: Cracking down on corruption to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

- Economic Empowerment: Enhancing livelihoods through job creation, improved infrastructure, and better distribution of resources.

- Sovereignty: Reassessing Senegal's relationships with foreign powers, particularly France, to assert the country's independence.

With fireworks displays, packed rallies, and town-to-town caravans, Senegalese political parties are wooing voters in a parliamentary race that will decide the extent to which the new president will be able to implement his agenda.

Campaigning officially kicked off on Sunday. Faye's Pastef party is competing for a majority that would secure his mandate, but former ruling parties have formed a rival coalition that unites the country's influential ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade

     (Reuters/via/[Abdou Karim Ndoye/File Photo] Reuters Connect)