Sénégal’s constitutional overhaul: civil society engages opposition

The constitutional reform, a key initiative announced by Senegalese authorities, is entering a phase of extensive consultations. A delegation representing the Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of the National Assizes’ Conclusions and the National Commission for Institutional Reform’s Work recently met with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group, which stands as the primary opposition force in the National Assembly. This meeting marks a significant milestone in preparing for what is anticipated to be a rigorous public debate, particularly as the executive branch, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refoundation.

A cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision

The civil society’s proactive approach seeks to secure clear commitments from various political factions regarding both the substance and timeline of the constitutional revision. The National Assizes, originally convened in 2008 through a broad political and civic initiative, had previously generated a comprehensive set of recommendations. These included proposals for limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Subsequent efforts by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), chaired by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow, further developed these ideas in 2013, though not all its recommendations were fully implemented.

The citizen coalition’s precise objective is to re-center these foundational texts within the parliamentary discourse. By reaching out to Takku Wallu, they are sending a clear political signal: institutional refoundation cannot be the sole prerogative of a ruling majority, no matter how substantial it may be. The parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal sensibilities, holds significant sway in scrutinizing and proposing alternatives to upcoming organic bills.

Takku Wallu: an evolving political interlocutor

For the political formation now led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations present a strategic platform. Following the decisive victory of the Pastef party in the snap legislative elections of November 2024, the parliamentary opposition is actively seeking alliances within civil society to influence the legislative agenda. The chosen format, which emphasizes listening before any formal positions are adopted, allows both parties to explore common ground without making irreversible commitments prematurely.

The potential subjects for discussion are well-known. These include the possible abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, the framework for the head of state’s powers, the precise role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition – all points inherited from the National Assizes. Additionally, the question of the electoral system is on the table, with several voices advocating for the introduction of partial proportional representation to better reflect the nation’s political pluralism.

Tight timeline for a major institutional undertaking

The executive branch has indicated that a draft revision could be presented to Parliament within the coming months. However, constitutional procedures mandate strict steps. Any substantial amendment to the Fundamental Law requires either a qualified three-fifths vote by deputies or a national referendum. In a legislative assembly where Pastef holds an overwhelming majority, the parliamentary route appears technically feasible. Nevertheless, the executive has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a popular consultation to firmly anchor the reform’s legitimacy.

This potential for a referendum underscores the critical importance of the ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society and an opposition involved early in the process significantly reduce the risk of a polarized debate during a potential campaign. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to challenges similar to those that surrounded the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which was notably marked by high voter abstention.

In practical terms, the coming weeks are expected to see the citizen coalition broaden its engagements to include other parliamentary groups, including Pastef itself, as well as formations not currently represented in the Assembly. The objective is to consolidate a minimal foundation of consensus before the official commencement of the legislative work. For Dakar, the credibility of the promise of institutional rupture, championed since March 2024, will largely hinge on the quality and inclusiveness of this preparatory process.