Senegal president proposes constitutional referendum on power limits

The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced his intention to submit the draft constitutional reform currently under review by the National Assembly to a referendum, should lawmakers approve it. This reform, championed by the parliamentary majority, aims to rebalance powers between institutions and curtail the president’s traditional prerogatives.

The decision was conveyed on Monday, June 29, by Senegal’s Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, during a session of the National Assembly. According to the minister, the Head of State informed the Speaker of Parliament of his decision to invoke Article 103 of the Constitution, which permits a constitutional revision to be put to a popular vote.

The proposed amendments seek to reshape Senegal’s institutional framework by strengthening the roles of all branches of government. The changes would enhance the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, thereby reducing certain powers historically vested in the presidency.

Political tensions clouding the reform process

The reform enjoys strong support from the parliamentary majority aligned with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s camp, which holds a dominant position in the National Assembly. However, its advancement comes amid escalating political tensions between the country’s two top leaders.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, long-standing political allies, rose to power following the March 2024 presidential election, which marked a historic political shift in the nation. In recent months, growing disagreements between the two figures on multiple policy fronts have raised concerns about the cohesion of the executive branch.

By opting for a referendum, President Faye seeks to bypass final parliamentary approval and secure direct public endorsement for the reform. The nationwide vote will ultimately determine whether this initiative, heralded by its supporters as a cornerstone for reshaping Senegal’s governance structure, moves forward.