Senegal to hold referendum on constitutional reform limiting presidential powers

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced he will submit the proposed constitutional revision to a popular referendum, provided the National Assembly adopts it first. The reform, championed by the parliamentary majority, aims to rebalance power among institutions and curtail presidential authority.

The announcement came on Monday, June 29, from Justice Minister Moussa Sarr during a session at the National Assembly. He stated that the head of state had informed the parliamentary speaker of his decision to invoke Article 103 of the constitution, which allows a constitutional amendment to be put to a public vote.

The draft legislation seeks to reshape Senegal’s institutional equilibrium by enhancing the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. A key outcome would be the reduction of several prerogatives traditionally held by the president.

Tensions at the top of the state

The reform enjoys support from the parliamentary majority aligned with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s party, which dominates the assembly. However, it unfolds against a backdrop of growing friction between Senegal’s two top executive figures.

Faye and Sonko, longtime political allies, swept to power after the March 2024 presidential election, heralding a major political shift for the country. Over recent months, disagreements have surfaced between them on multiple issues, raising doubts about unity at the highest level of government.

By opting for a referendum, President Faye sidesteps a final parliamentary vote and instead appeals directly to citizens. The outcome of the popular consultation will decide the fate of a project that its backers present as a step toward a new institutional framework for Senegal.