7
Key Takeaways: Cost of Politics
1
Candidates face the issue of having to pay large deposit fees for their candidacy – some CFA 20 million (US$36,700).
US$
36,700
2
Money is a resource of prime importance for all candidates in legislative elections in Senegal. There are more and more cases of electoral candidates who are facing judicial inquiries because of loans they had taken out to run their campaign and are unable to pay back.
3
70% of those surveyed thought that secrecy defines the role of money in politics and believe that there is a link between corruption and politicians crossing the floor.
70%
4
MPs interviewed highlighted the increasing use of new communications technology, which plays a major role in influencing voters. Those standing for election link up with expensive communications agencies or specialists who help them ‘look after’ their image.
5
An election campaign is considered by certain social groups as a time of wealth redistribution, a unique occasion to make money or to receive gifts in general.
6
Once elected, the parliamentarians interviewed say that they are given numerous requests not only from those they identify as their voting base but also from other groups. Senegalese society places importance on all sorts of ceremonies - baptisms, marriages, deaths, patronage of cultural, religious and sports events. These are events in which the attendance of politicians, in particular those in power, is highly desired.
7
Any opposition party that seeks to compete with the ruling party needs to have substantial means available to them; this helps to explain the ever-increasing cost of politics.