The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) has publicly declared its opposition to the proposed constitutional reforms spearheaded by Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef movement. In a striking shift, the party—once a political rival—now stands alongside President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in calling for Senegalese citizens to reject the contentious amendments.

Under the reforms, which were approved by a parliamentary majority, Parliament’s powers would be significantly strengthened while those of the presidency would be curtailed. The PDS, led by former President Abdoulaye Wade’s son Karim Wade, has urged its supporters to vote “no” in the upcoming referendum, framing the vote as a defense of democratic institutions against what it describes as a power grab by Sonko’s faction.

From rivals to reluctant allies: the PDS’s evolving stance

The party’s current position marks a dramatic reversal from its earlier alliances. In the 2022 legislative elections, the PDS joined forces with Pastef to challenge then-President Macky Sall’s coalition. By early 2024, as Karim Wade was sidelined from the presidential race, the PDS threw its support behind the Sonko–Faye ticket, hoping to secure influence in the new administration.

However, the expected integration of PDS members into the government never materialized. The party remained outside the ruling coalition, maintaining its independence. According to Hamadou Tidiane Sy, director of the E-Jicom journalism school in Dakar, this tactical alignment was driven more by political survival than ideological alignment.

“The PDS is attempting to reposition itself after its decline following the loss of power. It sees an opportunity to re-enter the political fold by aligning with the current administration, even if only temporarily.”

A fragile coalition with deeper divisions

Observers note that Karim Wade may have gambled on the eventual moderation of Pastef’s radical discourse. Yet recent developments suggest otherwise. In late 2024, the PDS unexpectedly partnered with Macky Sall’s APR party—a move that underscored its shifting alliances and strategic flexibility.

The current tensions between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko have provided the PDS with a fresh opportunity to reposition itself. While the party supports Faye’s decision to put the reforms to a public vote, it has called on voters to reject the proposals outright.

“Bar the reform” — PDS’s call to action

In a strongly worded statement, the PDS urged its members and all Senegalese citizens to mobilize against the reforms, accusing Sonko of seeking personal power at the expense of democratic norms:

“The PDS calls on all its supporters, sympathizers, and the Senegalese people to unite in rejecting these amendments and voting ‘no’ in the referendum. These repeated attempts to alter our fundamental law stem solely from Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and undermine the very institutions that uphold our democracy and freedoms.”

Sy argues that this stance reflects a broader trend within the opposition, not just the PDS:

“While they may not openly endorse Diomaye Faye, many opposition figures are effectively uniting against Sonko—seen as an obstacle to national reconciliation and a divisive figure with a confrontational discourse.”

He adds that Sonko’s radical approach has alienated even former allies, including within Pastef itself.

“Today, Sonko is viewed as the spoiler—the one preventing dialogue and alienating potential partners across the political spectrum.”

Strategic rapprochement, not lasting unity

Despite the current alignment, analysts do not foresee a permanent alliance between the PDS and the Faye administration. Sy emphasizes that opposition to the reforms does not equate to support for the president:

“Those opposing the amendments are not necessarily backing Diomaye Faye. Their rejection stems from concerns over the concentration of power in the hands of the legislature—a move they see as a calculated power play.”

He adds that the perception of Pastef as an increasingly exclusive movement has pushed other parties toward the president, if only temporarily:

“This is not a long-term strategic alliance. Rather, it’s a circumstantial convergence aimed at restoring dialogue and consensus—a hallmark of Senegalese democracy.”

Faye’s search for new political backing

Amid growing criticism within Pastef, President Faye appears to be cultivating alternative support. According to Sy, the president may already be preparing for a post-Pastef political future:

“Faye seems resigned to the fact that his ties to Pastef are fraying. For a potential second term, he is likely focused on strengthening his own coalition, ‘Diomaye Président,’ rather than relying on his former allies.”

Sy suggests that the rift between Faye and Sonko’s camp is now irreversible:

“Within Pastef, Faye is already considered a traitor. The breach is final, and the narrative of betrayal is firmly entrenched.”