With its 348 registered political parties, Senegal has an African record that is difficult to equal. This proliferation, considered excessive by many, has become a central issue for the executive. Under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a reform of the political landscape is on the horizon.
It aims to make the system more readable and more consistent with current realities. But behind this desire for rationalization, questions remain: is it a real revolution or a facade adjustment?
An uncontrolled explosion in the number of political parties
In the space of a few decades, Senegal went from 4 parties under Senghor to more than 400 under Macky Sall, according to recent figures. A dizzying increase which can be explained as much by individual ambitions as by flaws in the application of the laws in force. Law No. 81-17 of 1981, amended in 1989, imposes strict obligations on political parties: financial declarations, congress calendars, ban on foreign financing. Yet these rules are largely ignored, leading to excessive fragmentation of the political landscape.
-A reform awaited for decades
Streamlining the party system is not a new idea. Already discussed under different regimes, it has never come to fruition, due to lack of political consensus. Today, the executive seems determined to act.
Aware of potential resistance, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye promised national consultations on the subject. The objective is clear: avoid a reform imposed from above and guarantee an inclusive approach.
The challenges of an ambitious reform
However, several obstacles stand in the way of this reform. The lack of political consensus, already noted during previous consultations, could slow down its adoption. In addition, the reform will have to respond to the contradictory expectations of the parties in place, often reluctant to changes that could threaten their existence.
