Senegal judges reject constitutional change that would reduce presidential powers
The ruling halts reforms that would have expanded lawmakers’ powers and barred the president from leading a party, amid tensions between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.
- On Thursday, Senegal's Constitutional Court struck down a parliamentary bill aimed at limiting the authority of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, ruling the amendment adopted last month was "contrary to the Constitution."
- The reform was proposed by the ruling Pastef party, led by National Assembly Speaker Ousmane Sonko; tensions have escalated between the former allies since President Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister in May.
- Provisions within the rejected bill included prohibiting a sitting president from leading a political party while granting parliament expanded investigative powers and replacing the Constitutional Council with a new Constitutional Court.
- Sonko stated on X that he respects the court's binding decision, while President Faye announced plans last week to establish his own separate political party amid ongoing government restructuring.
- This dispute unfolds ahead of 2027 local elections, which are expected to measure the electoral strength of both camps, as a new prime minister has been appointed and a new government is forming.
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Weared by the sovereignist Party Pastef, the majority in the National Assembly, the text was in an institutional arm of opposition for several weeks from the presidential camp to the head of parliament, Ousmane Sonko.
Associated Press News
Senegal judges reject constitutional change that would reduce presidential powers
Senegal's top judicial body has rejected a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding parliament's role and reducing presidential powers.
In a long-awaited decision, the Constitutional Council, seized by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, declared the revision bill adopted by the Pastef deputies on 29 June to be in violation of the Constitution. A disavowal for Ousmane Sonko, president of both the party and the National Assembly.
Senegal's top court calls parliament-backed reform 'unconstitutional'
DAKAR, July 10 - Senegal's top court has struck down changes to the country's constitution that would have altered the balance of power in government, ruling against an amendment adopted by parliament last month. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Senegal's Constitutional Court strikes down bill limiting presidential powers
Senegal's Constitutional Council Thursday struck down a bill passed by the parliament last week that sought to strengthen the powers of the legislature at the expense of the president.
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