The Alliance Jëf-Jël, led by Talla Sylla, has officially acknowledged the Constitutional Council’s decision issued on June 17, 2026, which addressed the opposition’s appeal filed on June 1 by 18 lawmakers challenging the National Assembly’s Bureau decision to include Ousmane Sonko as a deputy.
In a strongly worded statement, the party reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that all judicial rulings—including those of the Constitutional Council—are binding on public authorities and administrative bodies. However, the alliance also clarified critical legal nuances in the decision that have sparked debate.
Why the ruling is not a green light for Sonko’s reinstatement
The Constitutional Council did not validate Ousmane Sonko’s parliamentary seat. Instead, it declared itself incompetent to rule on the matter, avoiding a definitive stance on the constitutional validity of his eligibility and mandate conditions. Critics argue this move reflects a cautious avoidance of a politically charged dispute, with legal experts describing the decision as a retreat into procedural comfort rather than a substantive resolution.
Next legal steps: A roadmap to the Supreme Court
The council’s ruling did not close the case. Instead, it explicitly classified the National Assembly Bureau’s decision as an administrative act, separate from electoral processes. This classification points directly to the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court as the competent jurisdiction to review the matter. The alliance stressed that this provides a clear—and urgent—legal pathway forward.
Call to action: The opposition’s final legal battle
Jëf-Jël urged the 18 opposition deputies who initiated the appeal to immediately file a Recours pour Excès de Pouvoir (Abuse of Power Appeal) with the Supreme Court. The party framed this as the last legitimate recourse to defend the integrity of the National Assembly, rejecting any notion of abandoning the fight through political withdrawal or extra-legal measures.
The alliance concluded by vowing to remain vigilant and steadfast alongside all democrats who oppose institutional overreach, positioning itself as a bulwark against arbitrary power.
