Constitutional reform debate intensifies as legislative deadline looms
Dakar — Tensions escalated in Senegal’s political landscape as the National Assembly advanced a packed legislative agenda this week. Following the Conference of Presidents session on Friday, June 19, lawmakers turned their focus to two critical labor and social security bills scheduled for committee review on Saturday, June 20, with full chamber debates set for Monday, June 22.
Yet all eyes remain fixed on the constitutional reform proposal—a move that has sparked heated exchanges between lawmakers and the executive branch. Ousmane Sonko, Speaker of the National Assembly, disclosed during a Bureau meeting that the presidency had yet to respond to the mandatory advisory opinion submitted weeks earlier. This procedural delay has now triggered a countdown, with Sonko setting a firm deadline of June 22 for the Executive’s feedback.
Should the presidency fail to meet this ultimatum, the Parliamentary Bureau will convene immediately to advance the constitutional amendment process, bypassing further delays. Sonko’s stance underscores a broader push to finalize the reform before the current ordinary session concludes.
Beyond the constitutional standoff, legislative leaders also voiced frustration over the absence of two overdue financial bills—the Rectified Finance Bill and the Budget Orientation Debate—both already approved by the Council of Ministers. The growing impatience reflects mounting pressure between legislators and the administration to align on key governance priorities.
Developments are unfolding rapidly.