Politics of Senegal takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential, liberal democratic republic, whereby the President of Senegal is the head of state and the Prime Minister of Senegal the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Senegal is one of the few African states that has never experienced a coup d'etat.

The present president, Abdoulaye Wade, was elected in fully democratic elections in March 2000. Today Senegal has a democratic political culture, being part of one of the most successful democratic transitions in Africa.

Introduction
The President is elected by universal adult suffrage to a 5-year term. The unicameral National Assembly has 150 members, who are elected separately from the President. The Socialist Party dominated the National Assembly until April 2001, when in free and fair legislative elections, President Wade's coalition won a majority (90 of 150 seats). The Cour de Cassation (Highest Appeals Court, equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court) and the Constitutional Council, the justices of which are named by the President, are the nation's highest tribunals. Senegal is divided into 11 administrative regions, each headed by a governor appointed by and responsible to the President. The law on decentralization, which came into effect in January 1997, distributed significant central government authority to regional assemblies.

President Wade has advanced a liberal agenda for Senegal, including privatizations and other market-opening measures. He has a strong interest in raising Senegal’s regional and international profile. The country, nevertheless, has limited means with which to implement ambitious ideas. The liberalization of the economy is proceeding, but at a slow pace. Senegal continues to play a significant role in regional and international organizations. President Wade has made excellent relations with the United States a high priority.

Executive Branch
The president is elected by popular vote for a seven-year term. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president.

Legislative branch
The National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) has 150 members, elected for a five year term, by parallel voting, with multi-seat rather than single-seat constituencies for the plurality part of the system.