Senegal holds legislative elections with key reforms at stake

The Senegalese have voted on Sunday in parliamentary elections that will determine if President Faye can carry on with an ambitious reform agenda.

Pools closed the same day with results yet to be announced for the 165-seat parliament, where Faye does not have majority.

Faye, who achieved victory in March’s presidential election, dissolved parliament in September after opposition resistance hindered his government’s initiatives.
Faye has often said the lack of a parliamentary majority has impeded his march towards implementing his electoral promises of fighting corruption, reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies, and securing a bigger share from the country’s natural resources for the population.

His announced reforms have unsettled some investors who fear Senegal would review some international contracts with gas firms and other extractive businesses.

In September, he dissolved the opposition-led parliament, paving the way for a snap legislative election.