Non-state actors in Senegal: Towards a strategy for political action by non-state actors
This series of briefs is designed to facilitate an exchange of information on the role played by non-state actors (NSAs) in implementing the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the ACP and the EC. Their aim is to cite examples of innovative practices and to demonstrate the challenges facing NSAs as development partners in different countries.
Since gaining independence in 1960, Senegal has had a pluralistic democratic political system, although from 1966 to 1974 it was effectively a one-party state. A multi-party system was not established until 1981. Today, there are more than 60 political parties, 13 of which are represented in the National Assembly. In 2000, power changed hands smoothly and the army did not intervene in the political debate. The new constitution approved by referendum in 2001 guarantees Human rights (as enshrined in numerous international declarations) and the rule of law.
