Key facts
- Senegalese lawmakers approved a constitutional reform.
- The reform curbs presidential powers.
- The reform expands legislative powers.
- The changes were proposed by Ousmane Sonko's party, Pastef.
- The reform aims to strengthen parliamentary oversight.
- A new Constitutional Court is to be created.
- The reform requires a national referendum to be enacted.
Senegal's National Assembly has passed a significant constitutional reform that curtails the powers of the presidency and expands the authority of the legislature. The proposed changes were introduced by Pastef, the party led by Ousmane Sonko, with the stated goal of strengthening parliamentary oversight over the executive branch. A key component of the reform is the establishment of a new Constitutional Court, which is intended to provide a more robust judicial check on governmental actions. However, for these amendments to become law, they must first be ratified through a national referendum. This legislative action represents a notable effort to rebalance the distribution of power within Senegal's political system, shifting influence from the presidency towards the National Assembly.