Senegal: Opposition MPs Reject Dissolution of Two State Bodies, Halt Constitutional Revision

Senegal’s opposition MPs stand firm against the dissolution of two key state bodies and successfully block efforts to revise the Constitution. Explore the political standoff and its consequences.

The new administration of Senegal proposed a revision to the constitution, but it was rejected by lawmakers on Monday.

Two consultative bodies faced an uncertain future, with 83 Mps voting to preserve them and 80 advocating for their dissolution.

The majority in parliament is not held by the ruling coalition.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko fulfilled a crucial campaign promise by detailing the disbandment of both the regional High Councils and Economic, Social, as well Environmental Council through their revision.

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They have received negative feedback for their high cost, with a budget allocation of approximately $24 million USD.

According to the president, the Senegalese people’s aspirations are fundamentally at odds with those of the opposition coalition, as evidenced by the outcome of the vote.

Former president Macky Sall’s lawmakers have declared their intention to initiate a no-confidence vote against the administration of Ousmane Sonko.

The option of dissolving the assembly or conducting a referendum could also be exercised by the president.