Building a More Effective Parliament: NDI Supports Senegal’s MPs

Senegal has a long and proud democratic history, standing as one of West Africa's most vibrant and dynamic democracies. In March 2024, Senegalese voters staged a political earthquake by elevating Bassirou Diomaye Faye to the presidency, making the 42-year-old Africa's youngest head of state. Voters broke decisively for Faye and his party – the Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l'éthique et la fraternité (PASTEF) – marking a stark departure from the previous administration. Voters further strengthened President Faye's new mandate during the November 17 Parliamentary Elections, electing PASTEF candidates to 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly, over 90% of whom would be first-time legislators.

With support from Global Affairs Canada, NDI launched a legislative strengthening initiative to assist new Senegalese Members of Parliament (MPs) in navigating their roles and responsibilities following the 2024 elections.  Back in February 2025, NDI provided capacity-building workshops to 172 MPs and parliamentary staffers, focusing on legislative practices, including introducing and voting on legislation, the roles of the majority and opposition in parliament, and the importance of legislative monitoring and oversight. NDI provided legislators with a comprehensive orientation guide and an aide-mémoire – a quick reference document outlining key processes – tailored to the Senegalese parliamentary context. Together, these resources will serve as vital reference materials for newly elected legislators as they begin crafting legislation in the coming months.

Recognizing the particular challenges faced by newly elected women MPs, NDI further partnered with the Conseil Sénégalais des Femmes (COSEF) to organize an intensive one-day bootcamp for women MPs from all parties.  The focus was on strategies to assist women MPs navigate challenges such as violence against women in politics and hate speech as well as internal communication issues within the National Assembly. During the session, experts from COSEF – many of whom are former MPs themselves – walked participants through the existing legal protections for women politicians and political aspirants in Senegal, as well as current legislation that relates to gender. COSEF also focused on the implementation and impact of the 2010 Gender Parity Law, as well as present-day difficulties in its application.

A strong and independent legislature is vital to the health of any democracy. NDI is proud to continue its nonpartisan efforts to assist the Senegalese National Assembly meet the expectations of Senegalese voters.