President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced plans to submit the proposed constitutional revision to a referendum if it is adopted by the National Assembly. The reform, supported by the parliamentary majority, aims to rebalance power among state institutions and reduce presidential authority.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr conveyed the decision on Monday, June 29, during a session at the National Assembly. He stated that the head of state informed the parliamentary president of his intention to invoke Article 103 of the Constitution, which allows a constitutional amendment to be put to a popular vote.
The text under discussion seeks to alter Senegal’s institutional balance by strengthening the roles of various state components. It envisions a better distribution of competencies among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, resulting in a limitation of certain powers traditionally held by the president.
Divergences at the top of the state
The reform is backed by the parliamentary majority from the camp of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whose party dominates the National Assembly. However, it comes amid political tensions between the two leading figures of Senegal’s executive.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, long-time political allies, came to power after the March 2024 presidential election, which marked a major political transition in the country. In recent months, differences have emerged between the two men on several issues, raising questions about cohesion at the top of the state.
By resorting to a referendum, President Faye avoids a definitive parliamentary adoption of the reform and instead seeks direct approval from citizens. The popular consultation will determine the fate of a project that its proponents present as a step toward a new organization of Senegal’s institutions.
