President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has opted to put the proposed constitutional revision to a national referendum, effectively neutralizing the parliamentary success achieved by the opposition. This bold maneuver reignites the constitutional discourse and significantly alters the balance of power within the National Assembly.
Despite a clear parliamentary victory for Pastef, with deputies overwhelmingly approving the constitutional revision bill by 129 votes, the ultimate decision originated from the Presidential Palace. This shift fundamentally changes the political calculus. Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr revealed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye would not proceed with the promulgation of the text as it emerged from the National Assembly. Instead, President Faye invoked Article 103 of the Constitution, opting to subject the reform to a popular vote. This move represents a significant setback to Pastef’s parliamentary strategy.
A parliamentary triumph… neutralized by the Palace
All indications pointed towards swift adoption. Even with the government’s proposed amendments being rejected, the majority deputies had endorsed the version crafted by the commission, thereby reinforcing the political agenda of the bill’s proponents. However, behind the scenes, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye…
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