Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-04-09 09:24:49
Senegal has recently elected Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a 44-year-old as one of Africa’s youngest presidents. This comes at a time when countries like America are faced with the dilemma of choosing between two octogenarians to lead them. The contrast is stark when considering the numerous very old presidents in Africa, such as Paul Biya of Cameroon at 90, Alassane Ouattara of Cote D’Ivoire at 81, Teodoro N. Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea at 81, Emmerson D Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe at 80, and Joseph Boakai of Liberia at 79.
Bassirou’s victory signifies a growing trend of disillusionment with political elites and establishments, not only in Senegal but across the world. The rise of political unknowns without prior experience winning elections highlights a shift towards a desire for change among voters. This sentiment was demonstrated in the USA during Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 elections, where voters rebelled against the established order represented by Hillary Clinton.
In Senegal, Bassirou’s ascension to the presidency was unexpected, as he entered the race against the backdrop of political turmoil and protests. His opponent, Ousmane Sonko, a well-known opposition leader, was disqualified, leaving Bassirou as the main opposition candidate. Despite his lack of political experience, Bassirou’s promise to govern with transparency and tackle issues like corruption and youth unemployment resonated with voters.
The election of Bassirou as a third-party candidate challenges the notion that third parties cannot succeed in national elections. Senegal’s political landscape, with 75 registered parties, offers hope for other third parties in Africa to break the stranglehold of traditional two-party systems. The example of Bassirou’s victory could inspire similar movements in other African countries seeking political change.
Comparing the political landscapes of Sierra Leone and Senegal reveals significant differences. While Senegal has maintained stability and democracy since independence, Sierra Leone has faced numerous coups, authoritarian regimes, and political instability. The contrast between the two countries highlights the potential for Sierra Leone to learn from Senegal’s example of political continuity and democratic resilience.
The rise of third parties in Senegal and the potential for similar movements in Sierra Leone raises questions about the future of democracy and political change in Africa. The disillusionment with traditional political parties and the desire for new voices and ideas reflect a broader trend towards democratic renewal and reform. The success of third-party candidates like Bassirou offers a glimmer of hope for countries seeking to break free from entrenched political systems and explore new avenues for governance.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
