President of Senegal declares snap elections in response to opposition protests

President Faye of Senegal has announced the need for immediate elections. The opposition vigorously criticizes the unmet promises and economic difficulties in the West African country.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, six months into his administration, has declared his intention to hold snap elections on November 17th, subsequent to the disbandment of the nation’s parliament.

Experts assessed that Faye’s party, which now does not have a majority in parliament, has a strong likelihood of obtaining one.

Nevertheless, the opposition platform, Benno Bokk Yaakar, under the leadership of former President Macky Sall, has strongly criticised the action, alleging that Faye has committed perjury.

Faye, the youngest leader of Senegal at 44 years old, was elected in April, soon after his release from incarceration alongside Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Through comprehensive changes, he pledged to enhance living conditions, combat corruption, and ensure a larger portion of Senegal’s natural riches for the people.

However, these commitments nonetheless remain unmet. Faye and Sonko ascribe this phenomenon to the absence of a legislative majority belonging to their party, which they aim to address by means of the hasty elections.

The decision was made as a vast number of Senegalese nationals are pursuing improved economic prospects in Europe, escaping from one of the most elevated inflation rates in West Africa.

“In order to execute our reforms, we require a majority,” Faye stated, providing a rationale for the hasty polls.

In response, Sall, the leader of the opposition, argued that this is a power grab. “Faye is attempting to bypass the democratic process.”