Senegal’s ruling Pastef party secures large majority in parliament

Win grants President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms.

Senegal’s ruling Pastef party has won a resounding victory in legislative elections, securing 130 of 165 seats in parliament, according to provisional results.

The win grants newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a clear mandate to carry out ambitious reforms promised during the campaign. They include fighting corruption, revamping the fishing industry and maximising natural resources benefits.

After the results were read out by the national vote-counting commission on Thursday, Pastef representative Amadou Ba told reporters the majority represented a vote of confidence that should encourage Senegal’s international backers.

“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 is a people standing behind this new government,” Ba said in comments aired on state television.

“I believe this will only accelerate the process of structural reforms in our economy and our society.”