Senegal’s political scene is on edge as the campaign for Sunday’s key legislative election draws to a close.
Voters will choose 165 lawmakers to determine control of the national assembly.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who won March’s election on an anti-establishment platform, is facing obstacles in pushing through reforms due to a lack of legislative support.
His agenda includes fighting corruption and securing a larger share of natural resources for the people.
In September, Faye dissolved the opposition-led parliament, calling for a snap election.
The campaign has been marred by violence, including clashes between party supporters and the burning of an opposition headquarters in Dakar.
Ousmane Sonko, a leading opposition figure, condemned attacks on his supporters, later urging calm.
Sonko himself was targeted when his vehicle was stoned during a rally.
The election is crucial for Faye to gain the majority needed to implement his reforms, testing Senegal’s democratic stability amid growing tensions in West Africa.
