Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s bid to revise the country’s constitution has failed after a vote by lawmakers failed to reach the required majority.

The constitutional revision proposal, which aimed to reform the executive branch and reduce the president’s powers, was put to a vote in the National Assembly on July 9. However, it fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority needed for approval.

The opposition leader had campaigned heavily for the constitutional revision, promising to bring much-needed reforms to Senegal’s governance structure.

Sonko has vowed to continue his efforts to push through the changes, saying that he will ‘not be defeated’ by the vote outcome.

The failed vote marks a significant setback for Sonko and the opposition in Senegal, who had hoped to capitalize on popular discontent with the government’s handling of the economy and corruption allegations.

The National Assembly’s decision has sparked heated debate among lawmakers and citizens alike, with some hailing it as a victory for stability and others lamenting the loss of an opportunity to bring about meaningful reform.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter