Senegal’s electoral code reform signed into law after heated debates

President Faye puts an end to electoral reform suspense

After days of intense political negotiations and public scrutiny, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially enacted the revised Electoral Code on Friday, May 15, 2026. The landmark decision, which concludes a week-long standoff, comes just days after the National Assembly adopted the controversial amendments.

PASTEF and Ousmane Sonko see their demands fulfilled

Local media reports highlighted the swift reaction from the PASTEF party and its leader, Ousmane Sonko, who had long advocated for these electoral changes. The Walfadjri newspaper described the signing as a “surprise move”, unexpectedly resolving the legislative uncertainty that followed the parliamentary vote.

The Sud Quotidien echoed similar sentiments, framing the presidential signature as the “conclusion of a seven-day political cliffhanger”. The reform had sparked sharp divisions, not only among opposition factions but also across civil society and legal experts.

Reform sparks ongoing political and legal debates

While the president’s decision closes one chapter of this high-stakes political saga, the implications of the new law are expected to fuel further discussions in the coming days. Critics and supporters alike are dissecting the amendments, weighing their potential impact on future elections and governance in Senegal.

The Electoral Code reform, now law n°11/2026, represents one of the most significant legislative shifts in recent months. As political observers analyze its long-term effects, the nation remains divided over whether this change will strengthen democratic processes or introduce new challenges.