The constitutional reform initiative, recently announced by Senegalese authorities, is now entering a broad consultation phase. A delegation representing the Coalition of Civil Society for the Implementation of the National Assizes’ Conclusions and the National Commission for Institutional Reform’s Work recently held discussions with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group, which stands as the main opposition force within the National Assembly. This meeting marks a significant milestone in preparing for what promises to be an extensive public debate, especially as the executive branch, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has made institutional re-foundation a top priority.
A cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision
The civil society’s proactive approach seeks to secure clear commitments from various political stakeholders regarding both the substance and timeline of this constitutional revision. The National Assizes, which commenced in 2008 through a broad political and citizen-led initiative, had previously generated a comprehensive set of recommendations. These included proposals on limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Further efforts by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), under the guidance of constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow, continued this important work in 2013, though not all of its recommendations were fully implemented.
The citizen coalition’s precise aim is to re-center these historical texts within the ongoing parliamentary discourse. By reaching out to Takku Wallu, they are sending a clear political message: the crucial task of institutional re-foundation cannot be the sole domain of any single majority, regardless of its strength. This parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal factions, holds substantial influence for auditing proposed organic laws and offering counter-proposals.
Takku Wallu: an evolving political interlocutor
For the political formation now led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations present 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 effectively influence the legislative agenda. The chosen format, which involves preliminary listening before any formal stance is adopted, allows both parties to explore common ground without premature or irreversible commitments.
The key issues expected to fuel these discussions are well-established. Among the prominent points inherited from the Assises are the potential abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, clearer limits on the powers of the head of state, the precise role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition. Additionally, the question of the electoral system remains a critical topic, with several voices advocating for the introduction of a partial proportional representation ballot to better reflect the nation’s political pluralism.
A tight schedule for a major institutional project
The executive power has indicated that a draft revision could be presented to Parliament within the coming months. However, the constitutional timeline dictates stringent procedural steps. Any significant amendment to the Fundamental Law requires either a qualified three-fifths vote by deputies or a national referendum. In a legislative chamber where Pastef commands an overwhelming majority, the parliamentary route appears technically achievable. Nevertheless, the executive has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a popular consultation to firmly anchor the reform’s legitimacy.
This potential for a referendum underscores the critical importance of the ongoing consultations. An engaged civil society, coupled with the early involvement of the opposition, significantly reduces the risk of a highly polarized debate during the campaign phase. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to widespread contestation, similar to the experience of the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which was notably marked by a high abstention rate.
In practical terms, the coming weeks are expected to see the citizen coalition broaden its outreach to include other parliamentary groups, notably Pastef itself, as well as political formations not currently represented in the National Assembly. The overarching objective is to consolidate a foundational level of minimal consensus before the official launch of the legislative work. For Dakar, the credibility of the institutional reform promise, a key pledge since March 2024, will largely hinge on the quality and inclusivity of this preparatory process.
