Faye, who came to power in April after a landslide election victory, dissolved the house two years into its five-year term on September 12. He accused the opposition of refusing to pass bills from the executive.

The new majority should enable Faye to pursue his ambitious reform agenda that helped sweep him to power backed by voters hoping for more jobs, lower prices and improved public services across the West African country.

But analysts have warned his first challenge amid a fiscal crisis will be coming up with a budget that caters to both his voters' needs and to the International Monetary Fund, with which his government is currently in talks.

"It is very important not only in terms of the legitimacy of the new authorities but also regarding our technical and financial partners that they know that there is a people standing behind this new government," Ba said in footage aired on state television.

"I believe this will only accelerate the process of structural reforms in our economy and our society."

In September, a government audit revealed that Senegal's debt and budget deficit were much wider than the previous administration had reported. A $1.9 billion IMF programme agreed in June 2023 has been on hold since.

Negotiations with the IMF to restart disbursements could last until mid-2025.

--Reuters--