The anticipated constitutional overhaul in Senegal has entered a broad consultation phase. A delegation from the Civil Society Coalition, dedicated to implementing the findings of the National Assizes and the work of the National Commission for Institutional Reform, recently met with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group, the leading opposition bloc in the National Assembly. This significant meeting sets the stage for what is expected to be an extensive public debate, especially as the executive, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refoundation.
A trans-partisan dialogue on constitutional revision
The civil society’s initiative seeks concrete commitments from various political factions regarding the substance and timeline of the constitutional changes. The National Assizes, launched in 2008 by a broad political and civic alliance, had previously generated a comprehensive set of recommendations. These included proposals for limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Further work by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), led by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow, extended these reflections in 2013, though not all of its recommendations were fully implemented.
The citizen coalition aims to re-center these foundational texts within the parliamentary discourse. By engaging Takku Wallu, it signals a clear political message: institutional refoundation cannot be solely the prerogative of any single majority, regardless of its strength. This parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal factions, holds significant influence in scrutinizing and proposing counter-arguments to upcoming organic law projects.
Takku Wallu, a political interlocutor in reconfiguration
For the political entity led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations represent a strategic platform. Following Pastef’s decisive victory in the snap legislative elections of November 2024, the parliamentary opposition is actively seeking allies within civil society to influence the legislative agenda. The chosen approach, involving preliminary discussions before any formal stance, allows both parties to explore common ground without making irreversible commitments.
The topics poised to dominate these discussions are well-established. Key issues stemming from the Assizes include the potential abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, limitations on the head of state’s powers, the role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition. Additionally, the electoral system is a significant point of debate, with many advocating for the introduction of partial proportional representation to better reflect the nation’s political pluralism.
A tight schedule for a major institutional undertaking
The executive branch has indicated that a draft revision could be presented to Parliament in the coming months. However, constitutional timelines mandate strict procedures. Any significant alteration to the fundamental law necessitates either a qualified vote of three-fifths of deputies or a national referendum. While the parliamentary route appears technically feasible, given Pastef’s overwhelming majority in the assembly, the executive has repeatedly mentioned employing popular consultation to solidify the reform’s legitimacy.
This potential for a referendum underscores the critical nature of the ongoing consultations. An engaged civil society, coupled with early involvement of the opposition, significantly mitigates the risk of a polarized debate during any future campaign. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to challenges reminiscent of the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which saw high abstention rates.
In the coming weeks, the citizen coalition is expected to broaden its outreach, engaging other parliamentary groups, including Pastef itself, as well as parties not represented in the Assembly. The objective is to forge a foundational consensus before the official legislative work commences. For Dakar, the credibility of the institutional reform promise, championed since March 2024, will largely hinge on the quality of this preparatory process.
