Senegal's ruling coalition lost its absolute majority in recent elections, portending a period of legislative gridlock that will reduce the likelihood of President Macky Sall securing an unconstitutional third term. For the first time in Senegalese history, the president's party does not have a majority in parliament. Sall's ruling coalition Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) lost control of the National Assembly in elections on July 31, in what was a decisive win for the country's opposition coalition. BBY won only 82 of the unicameral legislature's 165 seats, down from 125 seats won in the 2017 elections. The opposition Yewwi Askan Wi (YAW) coalition and its political ally Wallu Senegal, meanwhile, won a combined 80 seats -- bringing both sides just shy of the 83 seats needed to secure an absolute majority. Three smaller parties -- Aar Senegal, Book Gis Gis and the Servants -- also obtained one seat each. ...
