Senegal’s constitutional reform faces public vote after parliament approval
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has confirmed plans to submit Senegal’s proposed constitutional reform to a public referendum, provided it secures approval from the National Assembly. The reform, championed by the parliamentary majority, aims to rebalance institutional power and curb the president’s traditional prerogatives.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr disclosed this decision during a Monday session at the National Assembly. He explained that the president invoked Article 103 of the Constitution, which permits constitutional revisions to be put to a popular vote. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to democratic transparency and direct citizen engagement in shaping the country’s governance framework.
The draft amendment seeks to redistribute authority among Senegal’s state institutions, fostering a more equitable division of responsibilities between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Key changes include limiting certain presidential powers that have historically concentrated authority in the head of state.
Political tensions complicate reform process
The reform enjoys strong support from the parliamentary majority aligned with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s camp, which holds a dominant position in the National Assembly. However, its advancement occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two leading figures of Senegal’s executive branch.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, once close political allies, rose to power following the landmark March 2024 presidential election that marked a historic political shift in the country. In recent months, their collaboration has been strained by disagreements over multiple policy issues, raising concerns about the cohesion of the government’s top leadership.
By opting for a referendum, President Faye bypasses the risk of a purely parliamentary approval process and instead seeks a direct mandate from the Senegalese people. The national vote will determine whether this reform, presented by its supporters as a pivotal step toward modernizing Senegal’s institutional architecture, becomes law.
