Senegal’s president secures large parliament majority

Senegalese political party PASTEF won Sunday’s legislative elections, giving the president a much-needed large majority to push on through with radical economic reforms.

The contenders from different opposition coalitions have all accepted defeat following a peaceful Sunday vote.

Bassirou Diomaye 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.