Senegal’s constitutional council blocks Pastef reform
Constitutional council strikes down reform
The Senegalese Constitutional Council has invalidated the institutional reform proposed by the majority parliamentary group of Pastef. The decision, handed down yesterday, deemed the reform unconstitutional, effectively derailing the government’s plan to rebalance institutional powers.
The reform, adopted by the National Assembly where the ruling party holds a strong majority, faced immediate legal scrutiny. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally referred the matter to the Council, which identified two critical flaws: the absence of a funding mechanism for the proposed Constitutional Court and procedural irregularities in the parliamentary review of government amendments.
Political fallout and legal analysis
Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté, former deputy and leader of the USD/A party, emphasized that while the Council’s ruling nullifies the reform, it does not close the door on future legislative efforts. She noted, “The decision confirms that any proposal creating public expenditure—such as organizing elections or establishing a Constitutional Court—must include compensatory revenue, as required by the Constitution. Additionally, the Council found that the National Assembly violated procedural rules by refusing to apply the blocked vote mechanism at the government’s request.”
The reform also sought to expand parliamentary investigative powers, particularly in overseeing natural resource contracts. Political reactions were swift: Ousmane Sonko acknowledged the ruling in a social media statement, while the presidential coalition defended the reform process, calling it a sign of institutional strength. Dr. Binette Ndiaye, coordinator of the Citizen Forum, praised the Council’s decision as a safeguard for democratic principles.
Deepening political divisions
The Council’s decision arrives amid growing tensions between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko, previously ousted from the Prime Minister’s office in May, has since positioned himself as a vocal opposition figure within the ruling coalition. His recent remarks about a “cohabitation” with the president have fueled speculation about a widening rift at the heart of Senegal’s political leadership.
Political analysts suggest this ruling could further strain relations between the two leaders, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape in the coming months. The invalidation of the reform marks another chapter in the escalating power struggle within Pastef, raising questions about the government’s ability to advance its legislative agenda.
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