Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally requested the Constitutional Council to assess the feasibility of holding parliamentary and local elections simultaneously in 2027. This strategic move comes as political tensions escalate following his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and the looming dissolution of the National Assembly, tentatively scheduled for late November 2026.
Streamlining Senegal’s electoral timeline
The primary motivation behind this proposal is twofold: cutting down logistical and financial burdens while optimizing the national election calendar, as confirmed by government sources. Local elections are constitutionally due before January 2027, when current local executives’ terms expire. By merging both votes, the administration aims to minimize repeated voter mobilization and reduce public spending.
While the Constitutional Council’s advisory opinion carries no legal obligation, it sets the stage for a pivotal political decision. A favorable ruling would empower President Faye to dissolve the National Assembly and call for a unified double election in 2027.
Parliamentary fracture and evolving alliances
On May 22, 2026, President Faye lost his parliamentary majority after severing ties with the Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko, who previously served as Prime Minister. Sonko now presides over the National Assembly, emerging as a formidable opposition figure challenging the executive branch’s authority.
The rupture triggered an institutional crisis. On June 29, the National Assembly passed a constitutional reform aimed at curtailing presidential powers in favor of the legislature. President Faye contested the amendment, and the Constitutional Council struck it down, intensifying the standoff between the executive and legislative branches.
Political factions brace for electoral showdown
A merged election would serve as a critical electoral test for all Senegalese political groups, particularly the ‘Diomaye Président’ coalition, which is seeking to establish itself in local governance structures. Additionally, President Faye has hinted at launching his own political party to assert independence from Pastef’s influence.
For Ousmane Sonko and Pastef, the combined polls present an opportunity to strengthen grassroots support while challenging the legitimacy of the president’s parliamentary backing. The stakes are high, blending electoral strategy with institutional power dynamics.
Senegal’s democratic crossroads
Senegal, long regarded as a bastion of stability in West Africa, is navigating uncharted political waters. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, represented a generational shift and political renewal. However, the rupture with Sonko—key to his electoral victory—has weakened his parliamentary base and complicated governance.
The current tensions echo past constitutional debates during former President Macky Sall’s tenure. From an international perspective, Senegal remains a crucial partner in the region, and its democratic trajectory is under close scrutiny.
Next steps in Senegal’s electoral process
The Constitutional Council is expected to deliver its advisory opinion within weeks. Should the National Assembly be dissolved by late November as planned, the double election could take place in early 2027, reshaping Senegal’s political landscape.
