Senegal civil society and Takku Wallu discuss constitutional reform

The Senegalese authorities’ proposed constitutional reform is entering a critical phase of broad consultations. A delegation from the Civil Society Coalition for the Implementation of National Assizes and Institutional Reform Commission findings met with Takku Wallu, the main opposition parliamentary group. This gathering signals a significant step in preparing for an intensive public debate, as the executive, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has prioritized institutional refounding.

Cross-party dialogue on constitutional revision

The civil society initiative seeks to secure clear commitments from political forces on both the content and timeline of the revision. The 2008 National Assizes, initiated by a wide political and civic coalition, produced key recommendations including presidential term limits, separation of powers, and administrative modernization. The subsequent work of the National Commission for Institutional Reform (CNRI), led by constitutional expert Amadou Mahtar Mbow in 2013, expanded these proposals without full implementation.

The coalition’s strategy is to bring these texts back into the parliamentary debate. By engaging Takku Wallu, they emphasize that institutional refounding cannot be the sole domain of the majority, regardless of its strength. This parliamentary group, comprising deputies aligned with former President Macky Sall and other liberal factions, holds significant influence to scrutinize and counter proposed organic laws.

Takku Wallu: a reconfiguring political interlocutor

For the party led by figures from the former Alliance for the Republic, these consultations provide a strategic platform. Following the sweeping victory of the Pastef party in the November 2024 snap legislative elections, the parliamentary opposition is seeking alliances within civil society to shape the legislative agenda. The chosen format—a preliminary listening phase before formal positions are taken—allows both sides to gauge positions without irreversible commitments.

The discussion points are well-documented. Key issues include the potential abolition or reform of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, changes to the Constitutional Council, limitations on presidential powers, the role of the Prime Minister, and opposition status. Additionally, electoral reform is on the table, with some advocating for a partial proportional representation system to better reflect political pluralism.

A tight schedule for a major institutional project

The executive has indicated that a draft revision could be submitted to Parliament in the coming months. However, constitutional timelines are strict. Any substantial change to the fundamental law requires either a three-fifths supermajority vote in Parliament or a referendum. While Pastef’s overwhelming majority in the National Assembly makes the parliamentary route technically feasible, the executive has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a popular consultation to bolster the reform’s legitimacy.

This potential referendum underscores the importance of ongoing consultations. A mobilized civil society and early opposition involvement reduce the risk of polarizing debates during the campaign. Conversely, a process perceived as unilateral could face backlash similar to the 2016 revision under Macky Sall, which saw high abstention rates.

In the coming weeks, the coalition plans to extend discussions to other parliamentary groups, including Pastef, as well as parties not currently represented in the Assembly. The goal is to establish a minimal consensus before the formal legislative process begins. In Dakar, the credibility of the institutional rupture promise made since March 2024 will hinge largely on the quality of this preparatory phase. Discussions are expected to continue in the coming days.