Senegal’s opposition coalition names Ex-Prez Macky Sall as lead candidate

In Senegal, the upcoming legislative elections on November 17 are seen as a crucial precursor to the presidential race in March 2024.

The opposition coalition, Takku Wallu Senegal, has selected former President Macky Sall as its lead candidate, while the ruling Pastef party is backing Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in a bid to secure a majority in the National Assembly.

This sets the stage for a significant political contest between two of the country’s most prominent figures.

Sall’s possible return to the political arena, after stepping down in favor of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, represents a pivotal moment in the legislative campaign.

Six months after his defeat in the presidential race, his coalition seeks to regain momentum and unify the opposition to challenge the ruling Pastef party’s dominance in parliament.