Local elections were held in Senegal last week. The opposition to President Abdoulaye Wade did very well. The Benno Siggil Senegaal coalition took control of the majority of towns, including the capital Dakar.

This result marks a major turn of events. In 2007 the opposition boycotted the legislative elections, leaving President Wade’s Sopi coalition, led by the Senegalese Democratic Party, with an overwhelming majority in parliament.

This result is also important for future events because it was the first time that President Wade’s son, Karim Wade, was campaigning quasi-openly as a successor to his father. President Wade is now 82. The next presidential election is due in 2012, or 2014. So, it is likely that President Wade will stand down then. The defeat for his Sopi coalition has already raised questions as to whether his son is the best person to try to succeed him.