Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally approached the Constitutional Council to seek a preliminary opinion on holding legislative and local elections simultaneously in 2027. The announcement, made this week, comes amid heightened political tensions following the breakdown with former ally Ousmane Sonko and the anticipated dissolution of the National Assembly slated for late November 2026.
Streamlining the electoral timeline
The president’s proposal aims to cut logistical and financial costs while optimizing the institutional schedule, as local elections are due before the expiration of local executives’ mandates in January 2027. By merging both votes, the administration hopes to minimize successive mobilizations and ease budgetary strain.
While the Constitutional Council’s advisory opinion is not legally binding, it sets the stage for a major political decision. A favorable response could empower President Faye to dissolve the National Assembly and call for a single dual ballot in 2027.
Parliamentary losses and growing opposition
The president’s parliamentary majority dissolved on May 22, 2026, after the rupture with the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, previously Prime Minister, now chairs the National Assembly and represents an increasingly organized opposition to the executive.
The split has deepened institutional friction. On June 29, the National Assembly passed a constitutional reform to curtail presidential powers in favor of Parliament. President Faye contested the bill before the Constitutional Council, which struck it down. This decision has further strained relations between the executive and legislative branches.
Political formations face a critical test
A combined election would serve as a pivotal electoral challenge for Senegal’s political groups, particularly the “Diomaye Président” coalition, which seeks to establish itself in local governments. The president has also announced plans to launch his own political party, signaling a move away from Pastef’s influence.
For Ousmane Sonko and Pastef, the merged vote presents an opportunity to solidify their grassroots support while challenging the president’s parliamentary legitimacy. The stakes are high: electoral on one hand, institutional on the other.
Senegal’s shifting political landscape
Senegal, long regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, is navigating uncharted political waters. Elected in March 2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye embodied a generational shift and political renewal. However, the rupture with Sonko—his key ally in securing victory—has weakened his parliamentary base and complicated governance.
Current tensions echo past institutional crises under former President Macky Sall’s tenure. Beyond its borders, Senegal remains a crucial partner in the region, and international observers are closely monitoring the evolution of its democratic institutions.
Next steps in the electoral process
The Constitutional Council is expected to issue its opinion in the coming weeks. If the National Assembly is dissolved as planned in late November, the combined ballot could take place in early 2027, reshaping Senegal’s political power dynamics.