Senegal’s electoral reform paves the way for Ousmane Sonko in 2029

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially signed a new electoral reform into law, a move that significantly alters the political horizon in Sénégal and potentially clears the path for Ousmane Sonko to contest the 2029 presidential election.

The recently enacted legislation modifies the regulations governing the deprivation of civic rights within the country. Under the new framework, such restrictions are now capped at a five-year duration following the completion of a sentence. Crucially, the law includes a retroactive clause, which is widely seen as a mechanism that could restore the eligibility of the current Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.

The 2024 exclusion and the transition to power

Ousmane Sonko was notably barred from participating in the 2024 presidential race following a defamation conviction that was upheld by the Supreme Court. In response to this disqualification, he threw his support behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Pastef candidate who eventually secured a decisive victory at the polls.

Internal dynamics and party tensions

This legislative change has not been without its challenges, sparking notable friction within the ruling Pastef party. Reports have emerged of disagreements among those close to Ousmane Sonko, with some previously suggesting that President Faye might have been hesitant to move the bill forward. These internal debates have fueled intense speculation regarding a possible rivalry as the 2029 election cycle begins to take shape.

A renewed political debate

Despite his previous legal hurdles, Ousmane Sonko successfully won a seat as a deputy during the 2024 legislative elections, though he subsequently stepped down from the post to focus on his leadership as the head of government. For his supporters, these developments serve as a clear indication that his path to the presidency in the future is now wide open.

• Electoral reform
• Dakar
• 2029 presidential election
• Sénégal elections
• Bassirou Diomaye Faye
• Pastef
• Ousmane Sonko
• Sénégal
• West Africa
• Senegalese politics