The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) is formally contesting Ousmane Sonko’s presence in the National Assembly, demanding the immediate annulment of his parliamentary mandate. In a public declaration, the coalition asserted that the legal maneuvers used to facilitate his return to the legislative chamber are in direct violation of the Constitution and the Electoral Code.
The leadership of the FDR has intensified its criticism regarding the current legislative setup. They argue that the current seat held by the leader is being occupied illegally and have called for his immediate withdrawal from the National Assembly. The coalition expressed satisfaction with the growing mobilization of political parties and civil society actors who have joined forces against what they describe as a “parliamentary coup” led by the Pastef party. They noted that a collective of 147 political movements had already voiced their opposition to this situation in late May.
Legal challenges and constitutional arguments
The coalition also expressed support for opposition deputies who have referred the matter to the Constitutional Council. At the heart of the FDR’s grievance is the interpretation of Article LO172 of the Electoral Code. According to their analysis, any minister who is also an elected deputy must resign from the government within eight days or forfeit their seat in parliament. The FDR contends that Ousmane Sonko cannot use internal regulatory changes within the National Assembly to bypass these requirements.
The signatories of the protest argue that modifications to internal regulations cannot serve as a substitute for an organic law. They believe that only an organic law has the authority to define the conditions under which a member of the government can return to their duties as a deputy. Consequently, the FDR views the current arrangement as a breach of the Constitution and the existing Electoral Code, calling for the legal act that installed him to be declared void.
Defending democratic institutions
Furthermore, the FDR dismissed claims made by the Pastef leader suggesting that the legal challenge is part of a political plot by the President of the Republic to exclude him from the political arena. The coalition maintains that their objective transcends partisan politics, framing the struggle as a necessary defense of democracy and the Republic. They are calling on all national stakeholders to coordinate a plan of action to stop what they perceive as an erosion of the country’s laws and institutions.
This firm stance by the FDR comes at a time when the Constitutional Council is expected to deliver a definitive ruling on the legality of the contested mandates. The upcoming decision is highly anticipated by both the majority and the opposition, as it will set a critical precedent for the relationship between the executive branch and the legislative body in Sénégal.
