The constitutional reform, a significant undertaking announced by Senegalese authorities, is now progressing into an extensive consultation phase. A delegation representing the Civil Society Coalition for the implementation of the National Assizes’ conclusions and the National Commission for Institutional Reform’s recommendations recently convened with the Takku Wallu parliamentary group, which stands as the primary opposition bloc within the National Assembly. This pivotal meeting marks a crucial step in preparing for what is anticipated to be a robust public debate, particularly as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration has prioritized institutional re-foundation.

A cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision

The initiative spearheaded by civil society aims to secure unequivocal commitments from various political factions regarding both the substance and timeline of the constitutional overhaul. The National Assizes, first convened in 2008 through a broad political and civic movement, had previously generated a comprehensive set of proposals. These included recommendations on limiting presidential terms, enhancing the separation of powers, and modernizing public administration. Further deliberations by the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), led by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow in 2013, expanded upon these ideas, though not all of their suggestions were ultimately implemented.

The citizen coalition’s precise objective is to re-center these foundational texts within the ongoing parliamentary discourse. By engaging Takku Wallu, the coalition sends a clear political message: institutional re-foundation cannot be the exclusive domain of any single majority, regardless of its strength. The parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal sensibilities, wields considerable influence in scrutinizing and proposing counter-arguments to forthcoming organic legislative projects.

Takku Wallu, a reconfiguring political interlocutor

For the political entity led by the successors of the Alliance for the Republic, these consultations present a strategic platform. Following Pastef’s decisive victory in the snap legislative elections of November 2024, the parliamentary opposition is actively seeking alliances within civil society to exert greater influence on the legislative agenda. The chosen format, involving preliminary listening sessions before any formal stance is adopted, allows both parties to explore common ground without premature or irreversible commitments.

The subjects poised to fuel these discussions are well-established. Key issues inherited from the Assises include the potential abolition or retention of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, reforms to the Constitutional Council, clearer boundaries for the Head of State’s powers, the precise role of the Prime Minister, and the official status of the opposition. Additionally, the electoral system is a prominent concern, with several voices advocating for the introduction of partial proportional representation to better reflect Senegal’s political pluralism.

A tight schedule for a major institutional undertaking

The executive branch has indicated that a draft revision could be presented to Parliament within the coming months. However, constitutional timelines mandate strict procedural steps. Any substantial amendment to the Fundamental Law requires either a qualified three-fifths vote by deputies or a national referendum. While Pastef holds an overwhelming majority in the legislature, making the parliamentary route technically feasible, the executive has frequently alluded to utilizing popular consultation to firmly anchor the reform’s legitimacy.

This prospect of a referendum underscores the critical importance of the ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society and an opposition involved early in the process significantly reduce the risk of a polarized debate during any subsequent campaign. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could expose the reform to challenges similar to those experienced during the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which was characterized by high abstention rates. Dakar’s commitment to the institutional ‘rupture’ promised since March 2024 will largely be judged by the quality of this preparatory process.