Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally requested the Constitutional Council to assess the feasibility of holding legislative and local elections simultaneously in 2027. This initiative, unveiled this week, arrives amid heightened political tensions following his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and the looming possibility of dissolving the National Assembly by late November 2026.
Streamlining the electoral calendar
The stated goal of this proposal is to minimize logistical and financial burdens while optimizing the institutional schedule. Local elections are traditionally scheduled before January 2027, when local executives’ terms expire. By aligning them with legislative polls, the administration aims to reduce consecutive mobilization efforts and ease budgetary strain.
While the Constitutional Council’s advisory opinion carries no legal obligation, it paves the way for a significant political decision. A favorable ruling could empower President Faye to dissolve the Assembly and call for a unified double election in 2027.
Parliamentary crisis and fractured alliance
The president’s parliamentary majority crumbled on May 22, 2026, after his rupture with the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Once Prime Minister, Sonko now chairs the National Assembly and represents an increasingly organized opposition to the executive.
This schism deepened institutional friction. On June 29, the Assembly passed a constitutional reform to curb presidential powers in favor of Parliament. President Faye challenged the text before the Constitutional Council, which struck it down. The ruling further strained relations between the executive and legislative branches.
Political formations face a critical test
Merging the two ballots would present a pivotal electoral challenge for Senegalese political groups, particularly the “Diomaye Président” coalition, which seeks to establish itself in local governance. Faye has also announced plans to launch his own political party, signaling a break from Pastef’s influence.
For Sonko and Pastef, this alignment offers a chance to solidify grassroots support while challenging the president’s parliamentary legitimacy. The stakes span both electoral outcomes and institutional power dynamics.
Senegal’s shifting political landscape
Once hailed as West Africa’s most stable democracy, Senegal 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 the victory—has weakened his parliamentary base and complicated governance.
Current tensions echo past institutional crises, including constitutional debates during Macky Sall’s presidency. From an international perspective, Senegal remains a pivotal partner in the region, with global observers closely monitoring its democratic evolution.
Next steps
The Constitutional Council is expected to deliver its opinion within weeks. If the Assembly is dissolved as planned by late November, the combined vote could take place early in 2027, reshaping Senegal’s power balance.
