President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has confirmed plans to put the ongoing constitutional reform bill to a national referendum if it clears the National Assembly. The proposed changes, championed by the ruling parliamentary majority, aim to rebalance institutional powers and scale back some of the president’s traditional prerogatives.
The announcement came during a legislative session on June 29, delivered by Justice Minister Moussa Sarr. He revealed that the Head of State had chosen to invoke Article 103 of the Constitution, which empowers citizens to directly approve or reject constitutional amendments through a popular vote.
The draft legislation seeks to reshape Senegal’s political architecture by redistributing key responsibilities across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Among its core objectives is reducing the concentration of authority historically held by the presidency, thereby fostering a more balanced separation of powers.
Illustrative photo © AP – Mosa’ab Elshamy
Splits emerge within the executive
The reform enjoys strong backing from the parliamentary majority, which stems from the camp of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. His party currently holds a dominant position in the National Assembly. However, its rollout coincides with rising tensions between Senegal’s two top leaders—Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko—who have been political allies since their rise to power following the March 2024 presidential election that ushered in a historic political transition.
In recent months, disagreements have surfaced over multiple policy files, casting doubt on the cohesion of the executive branch. By opting for a referendum, President Faye is taking the reform beyond the parliamentary arena and seeking direct validation from Senegalese voters. This move underscores the high stakes involved in reshaping the nation’s institutional framework.
What’s at stake in the reform
- Institutional rebalancing: The text aims to strengthen checks and balances between state institutions.
- Presidential powers: It proposes trimming certain executive prerogatives traditionally vested in the Head of State.
- Public mandate: A referendum ensures citizens—not just lawmakers—have the final say on constitutional changes.