Politics & Government Guide in Senegal

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Senegal is a presidential republic led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko since April 2024. PASTEF holds a supermajority in the unicameral National Assembly following the November 2024 snap elections, enabling implementation of reforms amid a shift from the previous administration. The country maintains democratic stability despite recent political turbulence.

Government Type

Republic

Legal System

Civil law system based on French law

Head of State

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye(since 2024)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko(African Patriots of Senegal for Labor, Ethics and Fraternity)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Upper House:Upper House

Lower House:National Assembly (165 seats)

Major Political Parties

African Patriots of Senegal for Labor, Ethics and Fraternity(PASTEF)

Left-wing

130 seats

Bloc of Liberals and Democrats – Takku(BLD-Takku)

Center-right

106 seats

Takku Wallu Sénégal()

16 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and older

Recent Developments

Presidential election held on March 24, 2024, with Bassirou Diomaye Faye winning in the first round
National Assembly dissolved on September 12, 2024, leading to snap legislative elections on November 17, 2024
PASTEF secured supermajority with 130 seats in November 2024 parliamentary election
Reforms initiated including audits in oil, gas, and mining sectors, and price reductions for basic commodities

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution2001

Regions14