Senegal's Top Court Annuls Reform Limiting Presidential Powers

Senegal's Constitutional Council has declared a recent constitutional reform unconstitutional, striking down a law passed in June by the National Assembly. The reform had sought to expand the parliament's role and curtail presidential powers. The council's decision cited the reform's failure to adhere to the "blocked vote" procedure, which requires the parliament to vote on executive-submitted proposals without amendments. Additionally, the reform lacked financial justifications for an anticipated increase in public spending and did not clarify the source of these funds.

Ousmane Sonko, the former prime minister and current president of the National Assembly, who had spearheaded the reform, acknowledged the council's ruling. Local media reported Sonko stating that the National Assembly would continue its work to "honor the commitments made" to the people. The proposed changes aimed to diminish President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's influence by prohibiting him from leading political parties and restricting his authority to dissolve the assembly. In return, the reform would have granted deputies automatic mechanisms to audit the state, limited the immunity of cabinet members, and established a new Constitutional Court with more magistrates.

According to opposition figures and local media, the reform was perceived as a "political revenge" tactic to curb the president's power. However, within Senegal's semi-presidential system, the executive intervened in the process. The government introduced modifications and insisted the legislature vote on the text as a whole, without further amendments. This directive was disregarded by the parliament, ultimately leading to the high court's veto.

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honor the commitments acquired with the people