In a firm and unambiguous stance, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, has called on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to immediately sign into law the constitutional reform bill passed by lawmakers earlier this week. The legislation, adopted through a qualified majority vote in the Assembly, grants the head of state no discretion to cherry-pick provisions or bypass parliamentary approval by submitting the text to a national referendum.

Addressing the media after the landmark vote, Sonko emphasized that the constituent power rests with the National Assembly when it is in session. He dismissed the president’s decision to seek a constitutional review by the Constitutional Council, asserting that the court has already clarified the procedures applicable to parliamentary-led constitutional amendments. According to the Assembly leader, no grounds exist for a second review of a law already endorsed by the required supermajority.

Sonko also took aim at President Faye’s reservations regarding key provisions of the reform. Among the contested measures are the mandatory declaration of assets before and after assuming office, as well as the ban on party leadership during a president’s term. The Assembly president pointed out that these very principles were central to the current head of state’s political platform when he was in opposition, arguing that abandoning them now would undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

Describing the reform as one of the most consequential steps forward for Senegalese democracy, Sonko underscored its potential to enhance government transparency and curb the financial burden of electoral processes. He concluded by urging President Faye to reconsider his position and sign the bill without delay, warning that a referendum on these provisions would be both redundant and counterproductive.