The Council’s decision closes the door on further challenges from opposition groups, who argued that Sonko’s reinstatement and subsequent election violated parliamentary rules. The dispute centers on whether Sonko, who had resigned his Assembly seat to serve as Prime Minister, could legally reclaim his parliamentary mandate before resuming government duties.
Opposition cries foul over procedural violations
Opposition figures condemned what they termed a “stitutional coup”, asserting that Sonko’s return to the Assembly without first resigning as Prime Minister breached protocol. Abdou Mbow, a prominent opposition lawmaker, declared in late April, “We will not endorse this charade.”
Sonko’s party, Pastef, secured 130 of the 165 parliamentary seats in November 2024 legislative elections. He had initially stepped down from his Assembly seat to remain as Prime Minister after his ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, won the March 2024 presidential election. Following his removal as Prime Minister, Sonko was reinstated to the Assembly and elected its president.
A political chessboard shifts
With the Constitutional Council’s ruling, Sonko retains his position as Assembly president, a role that could position him as a counterbalance to President Faye. The two former allies now appear to be at odds, with Sonko leveraging his parliamentary platform to challenge the administration.