Senegal’s ruling coalition has suffered crushing defeats in the capital Dakar and other major cities in Sunday’s local elections, in what is believed to be a key test for the president.
Provisional results published by local media on Monday showed coalition losses in Dakar, nearby Thies and Guediawaye, as well as the southern city of Ziguinchor, and the largest city in central Senegal, Kaolack.
The vote was the first in the West African country since lethal riots last year, sparked by the arrest of 46-year-old opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.
Analysts view the vote as a litmus test for support for President Macky Sall, 60, whom the opposition suspects is planning a bid for a third presidential term in 2024.
Fierce opponents of Sall’s came out as winners. For example, Sonko topped the poll to become mayor of Ziguinchor, according to provisional results reported by local media.
Barthelemy Dias, another staunch Sall opponent, is set to become mayor of Dakar, according to the same provisional results.
In contrast several allies of the president’s, including Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, lost their races.
Sunday’s vote was to decide the mayors of more than 500 municipalities and the heads of Senegal’s 46 departments.
In March last year, Senegal was rocked by several days of clashes and looting after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was summoned to court to answer charges of rape in a case that he said was politically motivated.
At least 12 people were killed nationwide, a toll that shocked a country considered a beacon of stability in a volatile region.
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