The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) has taken a bold stance by urging voters to reject the constitutional reform bill, despite its passage through parliament. The controversial legislation—championed by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef movement—seeks to expand legislative powers while curtailing presidential authority.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has responded by announcing plans for a national referendum, giving citizens the final say on the disputed reforms. The move underscores a growing rift between the head of state and his former ally, Sonko, whose reform agenda has become a lightning rod for political tensions.

From rivals to reluctant allies

The PDS’s unexpected pivot toward President Faye stems from a series of strategic shifts that began in 2022. During legislative elections, the party joined forces with Pastef to challenge incumbent President Macky Sall’s coalition. By early 2024, as presidential elections loomed, the PDS abandoned its own candidate, Karim Wade—then in exile—to back the Sonko-Faye ticket.

This tactical alliance, though short-lived, proved pivotal. It provided Faye with a broader electoral base while simultaneously sidelining Wade, whose political future remained uncertain. The PDS justified its support as a defense of democratic principles, though internal sources suggest personal grievances against Sall’s administration also played a role.

Ideology takes a backseat to strategy

The honeymoon between PDS and Pastef proved fleeting. After Faye’s election, the party refused to integrate his administration, opting instead to maintain its independence. Political analysts argue this was less about ideological alignment and more about self-preservation.

“The PDS is repositioning itself in the political landscape,” explains Hamadou Tidiane Sy, director of Dakar’s E-Jicom journalism school. “After losing power, the party faced a severe decline. Now, they’re seeking proximity to the ruling circle to regain relevance.”

The shifting alliances continued in late 2024, when the PDS controversially realigned with Macky Sall’s APR coalition—long considered its archrival. Observers speculate this move was a bet on Sonko’s political vulnerabilities, with Wade hoping the radical rhetoric of the new leadership would eventually alienate voters.

Uniting against Sonko’s reforms

The current constitutional debate has given the PDS a fresh opportunity to recalibrate its position. The party now backs Faye’s referendum proposal while urging voters to oppose its contents—a nuanced stance that underscores its opposition to Sonko’s reform agenda.

In a strongly worded statement, the PDS called on “all militants, sympathizers, and supporters to mobilize and vote ‘No’ on referendum day.” It accused Sonko of pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of Senegal’s democratic institutions, framing the reforms as an assault on the republic’s foundational values.

Sy suggests this resistance extends beyond the PDS: “The entire opposition is now aligned in this stance—even if they don’t openly rally behind Diomaye. The message is clear: they oppose Sonko.”

Once a unifying figure within Pastef, Sonko’s confrontational discourse has increasingly isolated him. “Political leaders now view him as a disruptor—a radical who obstructs reconciliation,” Sy notes. “His approach has alienated even former allies.”

A temporary truce, not a lasting bond

Despite their current cooperation, analysts doubt a durable alliance will emerge between the PDS and President Faye. The party’s opposition to Sonko’s reforms stems from principle rather than endorsement of Faye’s leadership.

“Those opposing the law aren’t necessarily supporting Diomaye,” Sy emphasizes. “They’re rejecting the process—particularly the perceived attempt to centralize power in the legislature.”

The PDS’s shifting loyalties reflect broader political realignments. Faye’s growing distance from Pastef and his focus on consolidating a new coalition, “Diomaye President,” suggest a deliberate strategy to distance himself from Sonko’s legacy.

“For Pastef members, Faye is already seen as a traitor,” Sy concludes. “The rupture is complete.”