Senegal to decide on constitutional changes via national referendum

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared that the proposed constitutional amendments currently being debated in the National Assembly will be put to a public vote if lawmakers approve the text. This significant reform, championed by the parliamentary majority, seeks to redistribute authority among state institutions and curtail the extensive powers traditionally held by the presidency.

The announcement was delivered by the Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, during a legislative session. He clarified that the Head of State has already notified the leadership of the Parliament regarding the decision to invoke Article 103 of the Sénégal Constitution. This specific provision grants the president the authority to submit constitutional revisions directly to the citizens through a referendum process.

A shift in institutional balance

The legislation under review aims to reshape the institutional landscape of Sénégal by strengthening the roles of various state branches. By creating a more equitable division of responsibilities between the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, the reform effectively limits several powers that have historically been the sole domain of the president of the Republic.

Political dynamics at the top

While the reform enjoys strong support from the parliamentary majority aligned with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, it arrives amidst a complex political climate. Observers have noted growing friction between the two most prominent figures in the executive branch.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, who were long-term political partners before taking office following the landmark March 2024 elections, have recently shown signs of disagreement on several key issues. These internal tensions have raised questions about the ongoing unity of the current administration.

By choosing the referendum path, President Faye is moving beyond a final decision made solely by the legislature, instead turning to the Sénégal electorate for a direct mandate. The outcome of this popular vote will determine the trajectory of a project that its supporters describe as a vital step toward a more modern and balanced governance structure.