WILL GORDON Senegal: Politics Senegal Senegal has a population of 12,969,606 Capital city: Dakar GDP: $14.29 billion Political Structure: Democracy Head of State: President HE Macky Sall (Senegalese Democratic Party) Head of Government: Prime Minister HE Abdoul Mbaye (Independent) History Senegal was colonized by the Dutch, British, and the French during the 17 th century and remained in power. In 1914, famous politician Blaise Diagne, fought for African rights through equality and freedom. Senegal became independent in Lopold Sdar Senghor became the first president. Senghor remained in power until 1980 when Abdou Diouf came into power. Abdoulaye Wade succeeded Diouf when he replaced the countrys democratic system. Macky Sall is currently President. Senegal is the only country in West Africa that has fallen to a military coup. Infrastructure Senegal, despite many coups and tried military dictatorships, is considered one of the most powerful democracies in Africa. The governing system is a multi-party Republic with two legislative houses the Senate and the National Assembly. The head of state is the president (Macky Sall) and is assisted by the Prime Minister (Abdoul Mbaye) who is in charge of government Prime Minister is appointed by President when elected. Infrastructure (cont.) Senegal is subdivided into 14 administrative regions. -Dakar, Zinguinchor, Diourbel, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Kaolack, This, Louga, Fatick, Koulda, Matam, Kaffrine, Kdougou, and Sdhiou The President is elected to 5 year terms that though voting from citizens 18 years of age and above. Presidents are limited to only two terms of power. Infrastructure(cont.) Senate Contains Council of Members All appointed by Prime Minister in consultation with President. National Assembly Parallel Voting-mixed voting system where voters in effect participate in two separate elections for a single chamber. Contains 150 members Elected to 5 year terms Citations senegal.htmlsenegal.html/Senegal-POLITICS-GOVERNMENT-AND- TAXATION.html/Senegal-POLITICS-GOVERNMENT-AND- TAXATION.html