On Monday, the 129 deputies present in the National Assembly unanimously approved a proposed constitutional revision. The text, championed by the Pastef party, notably seeks to bolster the powers of both Parliament and the Prime Minister, while simultaneously redefining the prerogatives held by the President of the Republic. However, for the presidential coalition and several opposition parties, this significant reform appears to be custom-designed to benefit Ousmane Sonko, the former Prime Minister who now presides over the National Assembly. Are these accusations truly warranted? Why has President Bassirou Diomaye Faye chosen to submit this crucial text to a national referendum? Is this merely a democratic consultation, or a calculated political maneuver?
