Senegal’s constitutional reform: civil society engages opposition

Senegal’s much-anticipated constitutional reform, a key pledge from the current administration, is now progressing into an extensive consultation phase. A prominent coalition of civil society organizations, dedicated to implementing the findings of the National Assizes and the Institutional Reform Commission, recently held discussions with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group. This group represents the primary opposition force within the National Assembly. This crucial meeting signifies a significant step in preparing for what promises to be a robust public debate, particularly as the executive, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refoundation.

A cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision

The civil society’s initiative aims to secure explicit commitments from various political factions regarding both the substance and timeline of the constitutional revision. Recommendations stemming from the National Assizes, which commenced in 2008 through broad political and citizen engagement, outlined proposals for limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Further work by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), chaired by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow in 2013, expanded upon these ideas, though not all its recommendations were subsequently enacted.

The citizen coalition is now determined to bring these foundational texts back to the forefront of parliamentary discussion. By actively seeking engagement with Takku Wallu, they are sending a clear political message: institutional refoundation cannot be the exclusive domain of any single majority, regardless of its strength. This parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal sensibilities, holds significant influence in scrutinizing and proposing alternatives to upcoming organic bills.

Takku Wallu, a political interlocutor in reconfiguration

For the political entity now led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations offer a strategic platform. Following the decisive 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, emphasizing preliminary listening before any formal stance is adopted, allows both parties to explore common ground without committing to irreversible positions.

The potential topics for discussion are well-established. Key issues inherited from the Assises include the potential abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, defining the scope of presidential powers, clarifying the role of the Prime Minister, and establishing the status of the opposition. Additionally, the electoral system is a prominent concern, with several voices advocating for the introduction of partial proportional representation 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 framework dictates strict procedural steps. Any substantial modification to the fundamental law requires either a three-fifths majority vote by deputies or a national referendum. While Pastef holds an overwhelming majority in the assembly, making the parliamentary route technically viable, the executive has repeatedly mentioned resorting to popular consultation to solidify the reform’s legitimacy.

This prospect of a referendum underscores the critical importance of the ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society, coupled with the early involvement of the opposition, significantly mitigates the risk of a polarized debate during the campaign period. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to similar challenges faced by the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which was characterized by high voter abstention.

Looking ahead, the citizen coalition is expected to expand its meetings in the coming weeks to include other parliamentary groups, notably Pastef itself, as well as political formations not currently represented in the National Assembly. The overarching objective is to forge a minimal consensus before the official launch of the legislative endeavor. For Dakar, the credibility of the institutional rupture promised since March 2024 will largely hinge on the quality and inclusivity of this preparatory process.