By Biran Gaye
The PASTEF (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity) party, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has officially decided to run alone in the legislative elections on November 17, marking the end of the ‘Diomaye President’ coalition which brought Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye to power, according to reports.
The coalition won the March presidential election with 56 percent of the votes, ending the 12-year rule of the Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition led by former President Macky Sall.
This move demonstrates the ruling party’s will to take its independence, symbolizing a strategic turning point for the party which aims to strengthen its presence in the National Assembly by presenting its own list of candidates.
The Populist Party made this decision last Saturday during a meeting of the party leaders, chaired by the president of PASTEF, Ousmane Sonko, reports say.
As the upcoming parliamentary elections gain momentum in Senegal, the ruling party hopes to mobilise support for its candidates to strengthen its influence within the National Assembly as well as implement its policies and programmes.
The parties that supported the coalition during the presidential election will have to rally behind the PASTEF candidates or contest single-handedly in the legislative elections. The party thus intends to establish its parliamentary majority without associating with other entities for this crucial election.
