Senegal’s constitutional overhaul: civil society and opposition forge consensus

Senegal’s much-anticipated constitutional reform, announced by the nation’s leadership, is now entering a critical phase of extensive consultations. A key meeting recently took place between a delegation from the Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of the National Assizes’ Conclusions and the National Commission for Institutional Reform’s Work, and the Takku Wallu parliamentary group. Takku Wallu represents the primary opposition bloc within the National Assembly. This engagement marks a significant step in preparing for what promises to be a robust public debate, particularly as the executive, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refoundation as a core objective for African governance.

A cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision

The civil society’s initiative aims to secure clear commitments from various political forces regarding both the substance and timeline of the constitutional review. Historical recommendations from the National Assizes, launched in 2008 through a broad political and citizen-led effort, provided a comprehensive framework. These included proposals on limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Further work by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), led by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow in 2013, expanded upon these insights, though not all its suggestions were fully implemented.

The citizen coalition is determined to re-center these foundational texts within the parliamentary discussion. By actively engaging Takku Wallu, they send a clear political message: the institutional refoundation of Senegal cannot be the sole domain of a ruling majority, however dominant it may be. The parliamentary group, which includes deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal factions, holds substantial power to scrutinize and propose counter-arguments to upcoming organic law projects, influencing current African affairs.

Takku Wallu, a political actor in transition

For the political formation now led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations offer a strategically important platform. Following the significant victory of the Pastef party in the snap legislative elections of November 2024, the parliamentary opposition is actively seeking alliances within civil society to influence the legislative agenda. The chosen format, which emphasizes listening before formal positions are adopted, allows both parties to explore common ground without premature or irreversible commitments.

The potential subjects for discussion are well-known. These include the proposed abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, mechanisms to regulate the powers of the Head of State, the precise role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition. Additionally, the electoral system is a key point, with many voices advocating for the introduction of a partial proportional representation system to better reflect the nation’s political pluralism.

A tight schedule for a major institutional project

The executive branch has indicated that a draft revision proposal could be presented to Parliament within the coming months. However, the constitutional timeline mandates strict procedures. Any significant amendment to the fundamental law requires either a qualified three-fifths vote by deputies or a national referendum. In an assembly where Pastef holds an overwhelming majority, the parliamentary route appears technically viable. Yet, the executive has repeatedly alluded to the possibility of a popular consultation to firmly anchor the reform’s legitimacy.

This prospect of a referendum underscores the critical importance of the ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society, working in conjunction with an engaged opposition from the outset, significantly reduces the risk of a highly polarized debate during any potential campaign. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to public contestation, similar to the high abstention rates observed during the 2016 constitutional review under Macky Sall.

Looking ahead, the citizen coalition is expected to broaden its outreach in the coming weeks, engaging with other parliamentary groups, including Pastef itself, as well as political formations not currently represented in the Assembly. The ultimate objective is to consolidate a foundational consensus before the official launch of the legislative work. For Dakar, the credibility of the institutional ‘rupture’ promised since March 2024 will largely depend on the quality and inclusivity of this preparatory process. These crucial discussions are set to continue.