The constitutional reform initiative announced by Senegalese authorities is now entering a phase of broad consultations. A delegation representing the Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of the National Assizes’ Conclusions and the National Commission for Institutional Reform’s Work has met with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group, the primary opposition bloc within the National Assembly. This significant meeting marks a crucial step in preparing for an extensive public debate, especially as the executive, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refoundation.
A trans-partisan dialogue on constitutional revision
The civil society’s proactive approach aims to secure explicit commitments from various political forces regarding the content and timeline of the constitutional revision. The National Assizes, which commenced in 2008 following a broad political and citizen initiative, had previously generated a comprehensive set of recommendations. These included proposals for limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Subsequent efforts by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), chaired by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow, further developed these ideas in 2013, though not all its recommendations were fully implemented.
The citizen coalition specifically intends to re-center these foundational texts within the parliamentary debate. By reaching out to Takku Wallu, it conveys a clear political message: institutional refoundation cannot be solely the prerogative of the ruling majority, regardless of its strength. The parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal factions, holds considerable influence in scrutinizing and proposing counter-arguments to forthcoming organic laws.
Takku Wallu, a political interlocutor in reconfiguration
For the political formation led by the successors of the Alliance pour la République, these consultations provide a strategic platform. Following the decisive victory of the Pastef party in the snap legislative elections of November 2024, the parliamentary opposition is actively seeking alliances within civil society to influence the legislative agenda. The chosen format, emphasizing preliminary listening before any formal stance, allows both sides to explore common ground without making irreversible commitments.
The key topics expected to fuel these discussions are well-known. These include the potential abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, frameworks for presidential powers, the role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition – all legacies of the National Assizes. Additionally, the electoral system is a significant point of contention, with many voices advocating for the introduction of partial proportional representation to better reflect Senegal’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, the constitutional framework mandates strict procedures. Any substantial amendment to the fundamental law requires either a qualified vote of three-fifths of the deputies or a national referendum. While Pastef holds an overwhelming majority in the assembly, making the parliamentary route technically feasible, the executive has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a popular consultation to firmly anchor the reform’s legitimacy.
This potential for a referendum amplifies the significance of the ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society, coupled with an opposition involved from the outset, significantly reduces the risk of a polarized debate during the campaign phase. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to challenges similar to those surrounding the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which was notably marked by high voter abstention.
In the coming weeks, the citizen coalition is expected to expand its engagements to other parliamentary groups, including Pastef itself, as well as to political formations not currently represented in the National Assembly. The overarching objective is to build a foundational consensus before the official legislative work commences. For Dakar, the credibility of the institutional rupture promised since March 2024 will largely hinge on the quality and inclusivity of this preparatory process, a key aspect of pan-African current affairs and Africa politics English discussions.
