Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally requested the Constitutional Council to assess whether legislative and local elections can be held simultaneously in 2027. This strategic move, disclosed earlier this week, comes at a politically charged juncture following his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and the looming prospect of dissolving the National Assembly by late November 2026.
Streamlining the electoral calendar
The primary motivation behind this proposed merger is to cut down on logistical expenses and financial strain while optimizing the institutional timeline, as officials have indicated. Local elections are constitutionally mandated before the end of local executives’ terms in January 2027, and aligning them with legislative polls would minimize consecutive mobilizations and reduce budgetary burdens.
While the Constitutional Council’s advisory opinion carries no legal obligation for the president, it serves as a critical step toward a major political decision. A favorable ruling could empower Diomaye Faye to dissolve the National Assembly and call for a single, unified election in 2027.
Parliamentary fractures and shifting alliances
The president’s loss of his parliamentary majority on May 22, 2026, stemmed directly from his break with the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, formerly a Prime Minister, now holds the National Assembly presidency and represents an increasingly organized opposition to the executive branch.
This rupture escalated into a full-blown institutional crisis. On June 29, lawmakers passed a constitutional reform aimed at curtailing presidential powers in favor of Parliament. Diomaye Faye challenged the amendment before the Constitutional Council, which struck it down—a decision that further strained relations between the executive and legislative branches.
Political formations brace for a critical test
The proposed combined elections would pose a pivotal electoral challenge for Senegal’s political factions, particularly for the ‘Diomaye Président’ coalition, which is vying to establish itself in local governance structures. Additionally, the president has hinted at launching his own political party to distance himself from Pastef’s influence, as political analysts have noted.
For Ousmane Sonko and Pastef, this electoral alignment presents both a chance to solidify their grassroots support and an opportunity to challenge the legitimacy of the president’s parliamentary backing. The stakes span electoral strategy and institutional power dynamics.
Senegal’s evolving political landscape
Once hailed as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, Senegal is navigating uncharted political waters. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, embodied a generational shift and political renewal. However, the rupture with Sonko—his key ally in securing victory—has weakened his parliamentary base and complicated governance.
The current tensions echo past institutional debates during Macky Sall’s presidency. From an international perspective, Senegal remains a pivotal partner in the region, and global observers are closely monitoring the evolution of its democratic institutions.
What’s next?
The Constitutional Council is expected to deliver its advisory opinion within weeks. Should the National Assembly be dissolved as anticipated in late November, the combined elections could take place in early 2027, reshaping Senegal’s political power dynamics for years to come.
