Parliamentary Election, 17 November 2024

In early November 2024, the Senegal and Gambia rivers overflowed their banks, causing severe flooding. The deluge was driven by relentless torrential rains throughout October. Villages located near the rivers were submerged in water, and the regions of Tambacounda, Matam, Kedougou and Saint Louis were the most affected areas. The floods led to public buildings such as schools and health centers having to shut down, and over 56,000 people were displaced following the damage to homes and agriculture (Chemam, M. 2024). As of 4 November, over 18,000 children were estimated to be impacted by schools being shut down. Emergency relief efforts included food supplies, hygiene kits, temporary housing and shelters (CEF 2024).The torrential rain that caused the flooding has been recognized as a result of climate change by UNICEF (UNICEF 2024). 

Impact on electoral processes 

Senegal held their snap parliamentary election on 17 November 2024, after President Faye dissolved parliament in September (IFES, n.d.). President Faye visited the flood-affected regions ahead of the elections (Chemam, M. 2024). The National Fire Brigade and the Directorate of Civil Protection worked with the General Director of Elections (DGE) to enfranchise displaced voters. The DGE further collaborated with local authorities to take the necessary precautions for voting infrastructure such as transportation of results (Gueye, T. 2024).  

Changes in procedures 

Residents of Korkadié, in northern Senegal, were shuttled by boat to polling stations by firefighters. The same procedures were used to ensure that electoral staff and observers could access polling stations in Diama Alwaly (APS, 2024).  

Local electoral committees oversaw polling stations that were relocated and in at-risk areas, ensuring clear communication with voters. Information signs were placed at former polling sites to guide voters to their new locations. To enhance accessibility, the DGE revamped its website for easier navigation and established a WhatsApp group for candidate representatives (Gueye, T. 2024).