Senegal's Constitutional Crossroads: Referendum to Redefine Presidential Power Amidst Political Tensions

Senegal's Political Landscape Undergoing Significant Shift

Senegal is poised for a pivotal constitutional referendum following a contentious vote in its National Assembly on Monday, June 29, 2026. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced his decision to put a proposed constitutional amendment to a national vote, a reform that seeks to significantly strengthen the powers of the parliament and the prime minister while effectively curtailing those of the presidency. This development marks a critical juncture for Senegal, a nation often regarded as a beacon of democratic stability in a region frequently challenged by political upheaval.

The Genesis of the Reform and Underlying Power Dynamics

The proposed constitutional amendment was championed by the Pastef party, which holds a dominant majority of 130 out of 165 seats in the National Assembly. Notably, Pastef is led by Ousmane Sonko, who, despite being a former political ally of President Faye, was dismissed from his post as prime minister in May. Sonko was subsequently named Speaker of the National Assembly, placing him in a powerful position to influence legislative agenda. The Pastef party asserts that the reform aims for a "better rebalancing of powers" among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches within Senegal's traditionally presidential system.

However, the motivations behind this reform are viewed with skepticism by the opposition and various civil society organizations. Critics, including presidential coalition leader Aminata Touré, argue that the proposals appear designed to weaken the influence of the president by increasing the powers of the head of the National Assembly. This perspective highlights an emerging power struggle between President Faye and Speaker Sonko, despite their shared political origins and initial alliance against the previous administration. The move to dilute presidential authority, coming so early in Faye's tenure, suggests a strategic maneuver by Sonko and his party to institutionalize their legislative dominance and potentially limit the executive's autonomy.

A Tense Legislative Process and Public Reaction

The passage of the bill through the National Assembly was far from smooth. The session was characterized by heated exchanges, an opposition boycott, and scuffles outside the building. An opposition Member of Parliament was forcibly removed from the chamber after attempting to delay the vote, prompting a mass walkout by other opposition MPs. Concurrently, approximately 50 protesters, largely affiliated with the Alliance for the Republic (APR) – the party of former president Macky Sall – attempted to storm the National Assembly building. Security forces responded with tear gas, repelling the demonstrators and making several arrests amidst stone-throwing incidents.

This volatile atmosphere underscores the deep political divisions and the high stakes involved in this constitutional reform. While the National Assembly's overwhelming backing for the bill reflects Pastef's legislative control, the public protests and opposition boycott signal significant dissent and potential for broader instability as the country heads towards a referendum.

Geopolitical and Regional Implications

Senegal has historically stood out in West Africa for its relatively robust democratic institutions and peaceful transitions of power, contrasting sharply with a region that has recently experienced a series of military coups and constitutional crises. This proposed constitutional overhaul, while ostensibly a democratic process through a referendum, introduces an element of uncertainty into Senegal's political stability.

If the referendum passes, it would fundamentally alter the balance of power, potentially shifting Senegal towards a more parliamentary-centric system. This could have profound implications for governance, policy-making, and the overall direction of the country. A weakened presidency might lead to a more deliberative, but potentially less decisive, executive branch. Regionally, the outcome will be closely watched by organizations like ECOWAS, which champions democratic norms. Any perception of internal political instability, even through constitutional means, could raise concerns about the resilience of democratic governance in a critical West African state.

The Path Forward: A Referendum and Its Consequences

President Faye's decision to call a referendum places the ultimate decision in the hands of the Senegalese people. The campaign leading up to the vote is expected to be highly charged, with proponents arguing for enhanced checks and balances and opponents warning against a potential weakening of the executive and an erosion of presidential authority. The outcome will not only define the future structure of Senegal's government but also significantly shape the political legacies of both President Faye and Speaker Sonko. It represents a critical test of Senegal's democratic maturity and its capacity to navigate complex internal power dynamics through constitutional means, with potential long-term consequences for its internal stability and regional standing.