Senegal Prepares for Pivotal Parliamentary Elections Amid Political Tensions

Former rivals Ousmane Sonko and Macky Sall vie for dominance as violence and economic challenges loom large.

Senegal's parliamentary elections on November 17 will determine control of 165 seats, crucial for implementing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's agenda.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former President Macky Sall lead rival coalitions, with Sonko's Pastef party seeking a majority to combat economic woes and corruption.
The campaign has been marred by violence, with Sonko calling for retaliation against attacks on his supporters, escalating tensions with opposition groups.
Macky Sall, now in Morocco, is attempting a political comeback through the Takku Wallu Senegal coalition, which accuses Faye's government of mismanagement.
Economic hardship, high unemployment, and recent flooding are key issues for voters, with many demanding immediate government action to improve living conditions.