A political storm as FDR challenges Ousmane Sonko’s parliamentary mandate

The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has intensified its opposition to Ousmane Sonko’s presence in the National Assembly, formally requesting the nullification of his parliamentary seat. In a public statement issued yesterday, the political coalition asserted that the provisions allowing his return to the legislative body are inconsistent with both the Constitution and the Electoral Code. The FDR also called for widespread mobilization to safeguard republican institutions.

The FDR’s Conference of Leaders declared yesterday that the current President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, is unlawfully occupying his parliamentary position and must vacate the chamber. The coalition expressed satisfaction with the growing support from political parties, citizen movements, and civil society actors who have collectively condemned what it terms a “parliamentary coup attempt” by the Pastef party. The FDR recalled a declaration from May 24, signed by 147 political parties and movements, which previously highlighted concerns over this contentious situation.

The FDR also commended the decision by opposition deputies to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council. This move challenges the legality of the process that enabled Ousmane Sonko to regain his seat in the National Assembly after his departure from the government. Central to the FDR’s argument is its interpretation of the Electoral Code and the Constitution concerning the parliamentary mandates of government members. Specifically, the coalition points to Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which stipulates that a minister elected as a deputy forfeits their parliamentary mandate if they do not resign from the government within an eight-day period. The FDR maintains that Ousmane Sonko cannot rely on new provisions introduced into the National Assembly’s internal rules to reclaim his deputy status.

Those who signed the declaration contend that the amendment to the internal rules, enacted by the parliamentary majority, cannot legally supersede an organic law. According to them, only an organic law is empowered to establish the conditions under which a government member can return to the National Assembly. The FDR views this reform as a direct violation of the Constitution, the Electoral Code, and even the Assembly’s own internal regulations. Consequently, the coalition is demanding the annulment of the act that led to Ousmane Sonko’s installation in the National Assembly. It firmly believes he “cannot be a deputy” and urges the relevant institutions to enforce the legal repercussions of this matter.

Furthermore, the FDR dismissed statements from the Pastef leader, which attempted to link the opposition’s appeal to the Constitutional Council with an alleged desire by the President of the Republic to sideline him from the political arena. Asserting that the stakes transcend partisan divisions, the coalition declared its struggle is for “the preservation of democracy and the Republic.” It called upon all vital forces of the nation to unite and agree on a plan of action to prevent what it perceives as a violation of the country’s laws and institutions.

This latest pronouncement from the FDR comes as the Constitutional Council prepares to rule on the disputed provisions. The decision from the high court is eagerly anticipated by both the majority and the opposition, amidst a climate of intense tension surrounding the interpretation of rules governing the relationship between the government and the National Assembly.