Senegal’s Presidential Election: Unpacking the Crucial Issues in Play
Senegal is gearing up for a delayed election on March 24. The country aims to elect a new president as the incumbent, Macky Sall, steps down after completing two terms. Several key issues are influencing voters as they consider the nation’s future leadership.
One primary concern is the persistent problem of youth unemployment, a challenge that successive administrations have grappled with. The fast-growing Senegalese population, with over 60% under 25, intensifies the urgency of addressing this issue. In 2019, 35% of young Senegalese were not in employment, education, or training, and the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated the job market. Frustration over the lack of opportunities has increased support for opposition figure Ousmane Sonko. While not a candidate, Sonko has endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is seen as a strong contender.
The cost of living is another critical factor influencing voters. External shocks, including the pandemic, Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, and the strengthening of the dollar, have impacted economic growth and contributed to rising living costs. Approximately one-third of Senegal’s 17 million population lives in poverty, adding to the significance of this concern. According to the International Monetary Fund, inflation, driven in part by food price increases and exacerbated by India’s rice export restrictions, has been slower to decline than expected. Despite government subsidies for low-income families, economic hardships have eroded support for the current authorities, with nearly three-quarters of Senegalese perceiving mismanagement of the economy, according to a 2023 Afrobarometer poll.
Migration is also a prominent issue, as voters hope for a leader who can make it easier to find work and earn a living in Senegal, thus reducing the flow of individuals risking their lives to seek better prospects abroad. Migration from West Africa to Europe through the dangerous Atlantic route significantly increased in 2023, with over 39,900 people, predominantly from Senegal and neighboring Gambia, reaching Spain’s Canary Islands, according to Spanish interior ministry data. The upcoming election’s outcome is poised to shape the trajectory of Senegal’s response to these critical challenges.
