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Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye has dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament paving the way for legislative elections within the next 90 days.
The move comes six months after Faye’s election on an anti-establishment platform, which reflected widespread discontent among the country’s youth.
According to Faye, “I have dissolved the National Assembly to ask the sovereign people for the institutional means that will allow me to give substance to the systemic transformation that I promised them."
According to AP, analysts suggest Faye’s political party, PASTEF, is well-positioned to win a majority in the new elections, given his popularity and 54% victory in the April presidential election.
At 44, Faye became Africa’s youngest elected leader, rising to power shortly after his release from prison.
His ascension highlighted frustrations with Senegal’s long-standing leadership, particularly among its youths.
Senegal, like much of Africa, has one of the world’s youngest populations and is grappling with growing discontent over issues such as economic inequality and government corruption.
Despite pledges to reform corruption, improve living standards, and secure greater control of natural resources for the population, Faye has struggled to implement these promises.
Faye’s decision to dissolve the legislature is not without risks, as political analysts warn that the new elections could make it difficult to approve next year’s budget in time.
