In Sénégal, the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (PDS) has officially called for a “no” vote in the upcoming referendum regarding constitutional revisions. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye initiated this public consultation to allow the nation to decide on a controversial law that has divided the political landscape.
The legislation, which received majority approval in the National Assembly, was proposed by Ousmane Sonko and his Pastef party. It seeks to consolidate parliamentary authority while placing new restrictions on the powers of the head of state. By aligning with the President, the PDS—still influenced by former leader Abdoulaye Wade—is urging its supporters to reject these reforms, a strategic pivot that highlights shifting loyalties within the country.
The evolution of the PDS-Diomaye connection
The relationship between these political forces dates back to the 2022 legislative elections, when the PDS and Pastef joined forces to challenge the administration of Macky Sall. This cooperation intensified just before the March 2024 presidential election. After Karim Wade was disqualified from the race, the PDS threw its weight behind the Ousmane Sonko–Bassirou Diomaye Faye ticket.
This endorsement was crucial in expanding Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s electoral reach. While the move was framed as a defense of democratic principles, it was also a calculated response to the exclusion of Karim Wade. Having faced imprisonment and exile, the Wade camp hoped to maintain a level of influence within the new executive branch.
A partnership of convenience
However, this cooperation did not lead to a formal governing alliance. Following the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the PDS remained outside the administration, maintaining its independence from both Pastef and the presidential coalition.
This distance suggests that the PDS is primarily focused on repositioning itself within the political sphere after losing power years ago. By moving closer to the current presidency, the party seeks to regain its standing. This was evident during the late 2024 legislative elections when the PDS surprisingly allied with Macky Sall’s APR, a former rival, to counter the growing influence of the new leadership.
Opposing the Sonko agenda
The current friction between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko has provided the PDS with a fresh opportunity to intervene. The party has voiced its support for the President’s decision to hold a referendum, yet it remains firmly against the proposed constitutional changes themselves.
In a formal statement, the PDS called on its members and the wider public to block these reforms by voting “no.” The party argues that the changes are tailored to serve the personal ambitions of Ousmane Sonko, claiming they undermine the republican institutions that safeguard Sénégal’s democracy and freedom.
This stance is mirrored across much of the opposition. Many political actors now view Ousmane Sonko as a radical figure who complicates efforts toward national unity. His approach is increasingly seen as exclusionary, prompting other parties to distance themselves from his agenda.
Strategic shifts and the search for consensus
While the opposition’s current stance may appear to favor the President, it is largely a tactical rejection of Ousmane Sonko’s methods rather than a full endorsement of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Many critics view the proposed reforms as an attempt to seize control of all power levers through the Assembly.
The perception of Pastef as an increasingly insular movement is driving various political groups toward the President, albeit temporarily. This shift is less about a long-term strategy and more about resolving an immediate crisis to return the country to a path of consensus and dialogue.
Strengthening the presidential base
This political realignment could ultimately benefit Bassirou Diomaye Faye. As he faces growing internal pressure from within Pastef, the President is looking to solidify his own political foundation. In this context, future support from established parties like the PDS could prove vital.
The President appears to be preparing for a future where he is no longer tied to Pastef. He is actively working to bolster his “Diomaye Président” coalition. For many within Pastef, the divide is already deep, with some even viewing the President’s recent actions as a betrayal of their original movement.
