Senegal constitutional reform: Sonko urges Faye to sign into law

Senegal’s National Assembly President, Ousmane Sonko, has called on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to officially enact the newly passed constitutional reform legislation. The revision, which secured a qualified majority vote by lawmakers on Monday, cannot be selectively approved or put to a public referendum, Sonko argued, citing its constitutional validity. He emphasized that the Assembly’s three-fifths majority vote constitutes both adoption and final approval of the changes.

Addressing the media following the parliamentary vote, Sonko underscored the National Assembly’s authority as the sovereign power in constitutional matters when convened. He dismissed the President’s move to submit the reform to the Constitutional Council as unwarranted, asserting that the Council had already validated the procedural framework for parliamentary-led constitutional revisions.

Sonko also contested President Faye’s reservations regarding key provisions of the reform, particularly the requirement for presidents to declare their assets upon taking office and leaving, as well as the ban on political party leadership during a mandate. These commitments, Sonko noted, were championed by Faye himself during his time in opposition.

Describing the reform as one of the most transformative for Senegalese democracy, Sonko highlighted its potential to enhance transparency in public governance while streamlining democratic processes. He urged President Faye to reconsider his stance and proceed with the law’s enactment, dismissing the need for a referendum on these provisions.