Senegal’s 2029 presidential race: Faye’s electoral reform paves way for Sonko
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has enacted a controversial electoral code reform that significantly reshapes the political landscape ahead of the 2029 presidential election. The move, confirmed by an official presidential decree issued last Saturday, has sent shockwaves through the ruling Pastef party and positioned Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as a potential frontrunner.
The new legislation, which modifies key aspects of electoral eligibility, arrives at a pivotal moment as internal divisions within Pastef deepen. While some party members allege the president is attempting to delay or obstruct the reform’s progress, others view it as a strategic maneuver to position Sonko—currently ineligible for office due to a 2023 defamation conviction—for a future run.
Sonko’s legal troubles stem from a 2023 appeal court ruling that sentenced him to six months suspended imprisonment and financial penalties for defamation, following a complaint from a former government minister. Though he was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, Sonko’s political influence remained undiminished. After backing Faye as the Pastef candidate in his stead, he later secured a parliamentary seat in the November 2024 legislative elections before resigning to continue serving as Prime Minister.
Electoral reform sparks internal party strife
The reform’s passage has exposed deep rifts within Pastef, with critics accusing President Faye of manipulating the legislative process. Initially adopted by the National Assembly on April 28, the bill was sent back for review after Faye cited “clerical errors” in the draft. The revision prompted accusations that the president was deliberately stalling the process, fueled by speculation about his own ambitions for 2029.
On May 9, lawmakers reapproved the reform in a second vote, clearing the way for its official enactment. The revised law introduces sweeping changes to civic rights restoration, particularly concerning the duration of civil deprivation. Under the new rules, the five-year waiting period for regaining full civic rights begins immediately after a sentence is served, with provisions for retroactive application—a provision that has drawn both praise and criticism.
Sonko’s eligibility takes center stage
The timing of this reform has intensified debates over Sonko’s eligibility, especially given the Supreme Court’s 2024 confirmation of his conviction and subsequent rejection of his appeal in July 2025. Though he remains barred from holding office under current laws, the reform’s retroactive clause could alter his political prospects. The move has left many wondering whether this legislative shift is a calculated step to secure Sonko’s future candidacy or an unintended consequence of broader electoral restructuring.
The president’s decision to prioritize this reform underscores its potential to redefine Senegal’s political future, with far-reaching implications for both the ruling party and the opposition.
