The Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) has taken a firm stance against the constitutional reform proposed by the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. In a surprising turn, the PDS, historically aligned with former President Abdoulaye Wade, is now rallying behind President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, calling on citizens to reject the referendum.

This strategic shift comes after the constitutional amendments, which expand parliamentary powers while limiting presidential authority, were approved by a majority in the National Assembly. President Faye has responded by announcing a national consultation, allowing Senegalese voters to decide the fate of these controversial reforms.

From rivals to reluctant allies

The PDS’s unexpected support for Diomaye Faye traces back to the 2022 legislative elections, when the party formed an alliance with Pastef to challenge the ruling coalition. Two years later, as the 2024 presidential race approached, the PDS made a calculated decision: it withdrew its candidate, Karim Wade, and endorsed the Sonko-Faye ticket. This move significantly broadened Faye’s electoral base.

While officially framed as a defense of democratic principles and a push to defeat the incumbent candidate Amadou Ba, the PDS’s decision also reflected strategic interests. The party accused the outgoing administration of unjustly excluding Karim Wade from the presidential race after his imprisonment and exile, hoping to maintain influence in the new government.

A tactical partnership, not an ideological one

Despite this collaboration, the alliance between PDS and Pastef never evolved into a lasting partnership. After Faye’s election, the PDS remained outside the new government structures, preserving its independence from both Pastef and the presidential coalition.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy, director of the E-Jicom journalism school in Dakar, suggests this alignment was more about political survival than shared ideology. “The PDS, after losing power, faced a steep decline. Its leaders likely saw this as an opportunity to re-establish themselves by aligning with the ruling party,” he explains.

Some analysts believe Karim Wade gambled on a potential weakening of the radical discourse embodied by the new leadership. That gamble appears to have paid off when, in late 2024, the PDS shifted its allegiance to the APR party of former President Macky Sall, a long-standing rival.

United against Sonko, not necessarily for Diomaye

The current tensions between President Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko have created a fresh opportunity for the PDS to reposition itself. By supporting Faye’s decision to hold a referendum on the reforms—while urging voters to reject them—the party is positioning itself as a key player in blocking what it describes as Sonko’s power grab.

In a strongly worded statement, the PDS urged its members and supporters to vote “No” in the referendum, accusing Sonko of undermining Senegal’s democratic institutions for personal gain. “These repeated attempts to revise our constitution stem solely from Ousmane Sonko’s personal ambitions and disregard for our republican values,” the statement read.

According to Hamadou Tidiane Sy, this stance reflects a broader opposition trend: “While not explicitly endorsing Diomaye, the entire opposition is uniting in opposition to Sonko. He’s increasingly seen as an obstacle to national reconciliation and a divisive figure.”

“Today, the entire political class views him as the troublemaker—a radical voice rejecting compromise with everyone,” Sy adds.

A temporary convergence, not a lasting bond

Analysts caution against interpreting this support as a sign of enduring political unity. “Those opposing the reforms aren’t necessarily backing Diomaye,” Sy emphasizes. “They’re united against a process they believe Sonko is trying to hijack to consolidate all levers of power in parliament.”

The growing perception of Pastef as an exclusionary movement has, however, created a temporary convergence between certain political factions and the president. “This isn’t a long-term strategic alliance,” Sy clarifies, “but a circumstantial alignment to address immediate challenges and steer the country back toward dialogue and consensus—the hallmarks of Senegalese democracy.”

Faye’s quest for broader political backing

This shifting political landscape could prove advantageous for President Diomaye Faye. As internal criticism within Pastef grows, he is actively working to strengthen his own political base. The potential future support of major parties like the PDS could become a critical asset in this effort.

Hamadou Tidiane Sy believes Faye may already be preparing for a post-Pastef future: “He’s likely realized that Pastef won’t be a reliable support base for a second term. His strategy now involves consolidating his ‘Diomaye President’ coalition and distancing himself from the party.”

The analyst even suggests that the rift between Faye and Pastef is irreversible. “For Pastef members, Faye is already a relic of the past—a traitor, as they describe him,” he states.