Senegal to hold referendum on constitutional reform

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced plans to submit a constitutional reform bill to a referendum if it is approved by the National Assembly. The proposed changes aim to rebalance institutional powers and reduce the president’s authority.

Justice Minister Moussa Sarr communicated the decision on 29 June during a session at the National Assembly. He stated that the head of state had informed the parliamentary speaker of his intention to invoke Article 103 of the Constitution, which allows a constitutional revision to be put to a popular vote.

The draft legislation seeks to alter Senegal’s institutional balance by strengthening the roles of the various branches of government. It provides for a better distribution of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, resulting in a curtailment of certain prerogatives traditionally held by the president.

Divergences at the top of the state

The reform enjoys the backing of the parliamentary majority loyal to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whose party dominates the National Assembly. However, it comes amid political tensions between the two main figures of Senegal’s executive branch.

Faye and Sonko, longtime political allies, came to power after the March 2024 presidential election, which marked a major political transition in the country. In recent months, differences have emerged between the two men on several issues, raising questions about cohesion at the top of the state.

By opting for a referendum, President Faye bypasses a final parliamentary vote and instead directly seeks the approval of Senegalese citizens. The popular consultation will thus determine the fate of a project that its proponents describe as a step toward a new organization of Senegal’s institutions.