With nearly 400 officially registered groups, the country faces a fragmentation which makes the political offer more complex for citizens. This reform, although its contours and timetable remain unclear, is part of a dynamic of modernization already underway in other sectors such as the media.
Clear laws but poorly enforced
The experts brought together by “L’Observateur” believe that rigorous application of existing legal provisions would be enough to clean up the political landscape. Magaye Kassé, member of the political bureau of the Independence and Labor Party (PIT), recalls that the majority of parties do not respect the legal criteria, which include in particular the existence of functional bodies such as a central committee or a secretariat, as well as the regular publication of financial statements. “ If the law were applied, we would not have more than 200 parties in this country “, he says.
Along the same lines, Ousmane Badiane, responsible for elections at the Democratic League (LD), denounces a general lack of financial transparency. He points out the inconsistency in the application of the laws, stressing that neither the ruling party nor the opposition make their accounts public. “ Applying the law to some, while sparing others, would be inequitable “, he warns.
A democratic and political challenge
If the rationalization of parties aims to strengthen the democratic credibility of the country, it could also raise fears of political exploitation. To prevent this initiative from turning into a tool of control, strict impartiality will be essential in its implementation.
For now, the intentions of President Diomaye Faye and his government remain to be clarified. This project, which could mark a turning point in the political history of Senegal, is still awaiting concrete measures to meet the expectations of citizens and observers.
Senegal
