Constitutional reform in Senegal to be decided by public vote

The Senegalese government has confirmed that a sweeping constitutional reform, currently under review by the National Assembly, will be submitted to a referendum if approved by lawmakers. This decision was formally announced on June 29 during a parliamentary session by the Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, who detailed the president’s intention to invoke Article 103 of the Constitution—allowing for direct public approval of constitutional changes.

Photo © AP – Mosa’ab Elshamy

Key changes proposed in the constitutional text

The draft reform aims to redefine the balance of power among Senegal’s state institutions, significantly reducing the traditionally broad prerogatives of the presidency. Among the proposed adjustments:

• Strengthening checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches;
• Redistributing powers to enhance oversight and shared governance;
• Limiting presidential mandates and clarifying constitutional roles;
• Expanding parliamentary oversight of executive decisions.

Political context and internal tensions

The reform is backed by the parliamentary majority aligned with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s coalition, which holds a dominant position in the National Assembly. However, its advancement comes amid growing public and political scrutiny over divisions within the executive branch.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, once close allies who rose to power following the March 2024 presidential election—marking a historic political shift in Senegal—have recently faced increasing policy disagreements. These tensions have raised questions about the cohesion of the ruling leadership as the reform process gains momentum.

The decision to hold a referendum reflects a strategic move by President Faye to bypass potential legislative gridlock and secure direct public endorsement of the reform. If ratified by voters, the changes would represent a major overhaul of Senegal’s institutional framework, reshaping how power is exercised and shared in the years ahead.