The Senegalese laity salutes the democratic maturity of the country

Bqgendekere Fabrice, SJ – Vatican City

Eight months after the presidential election which brought President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to power, the Senegalese went to the polls this Sunday, November 17 for early legislative elections. This election, which is the consequence of the dissolution of the assembly resulting from the 2022 elections, was to make it possible to renew, for five years, the 165 members of the national assembly. The provisional results available the day after the election show an overwhelming majority for the ruling party. In any case, the Senegalese welcome the climate of peace in which this democratic exercise took place, further proof that Senegal “is deeply rooted in democratic values», declared the National Council of the Laity of this country.

Legislative elections experienced with complete peace of mind

The November 17 vote promised to be rather eventful, with “comments and behaviors that carry community overtones, as well as verbal and physical threats in public space, in the media, and on social networks», According to the declaration of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the eve of the start of the campaigns. To prevent any deviation, the first citizen called on his fellow citizens, in particular political actors, to demonstrate “responsibility, restraint and moderation (…) in their speeches and actions“. Concern was therefore already looming, especially after the violence noted during the electoral campaign. How notorious and appreciable is then that “the vote took place without major incidents likely to taint the credibility of the vote», rejoiced the Senegalese laity. He congratulates the Senegalese people who, through this “exemplary vote, demonstrated dignity and responsibility, maturity, serenity and greatness».

To the primary actors of this election

The National Council of the Laity of Senegal extends its special congratulations to all the actors who made it possible to organize this election, which it describes not only as peaceful, but also transparent. In their press release; the members of this council quote “l’all relevant State services and agents at all levels, observers, civil society, the press, etc.“. Furthermore, while congratulating the Pastef party for its large victory which, according to the Senegalese laity, “reflects the will of the Senegalese people“, the advice “pays homage [les autres partis et coalitions qui ont pris part à cette compétition] for acceptance of results», while encouraging them for the future.

Nothing beats national peace and harmony

The National Council of the Laity of Senegal concludes its address with a moral lesson to the political actors of their country: “nothing beats national peace and harmony“. With this word, he invites “all political actors to understand that the maturity of [leur] democracy does not go well with violence, which [plutôt] contributes to tarnishing the image of our country“. Thus, in a tone of prayer, the laity of Senegal expresses the wish that “this fifteenth legislature truly contributes to building a Senegal of justice and peace, a prosperous Senegal, a sovereign Senegal, rooted more than ever in a common desire to promote living together».