Sonko urges Diomaye to sign constitutional revision into law

Ousmane Sonko, speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, has called on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to enact the constitutional revision law passed by lawmakers on Monday with a qualified majority. Sonko argued that the head of state cannot pick and choose which constitutional provisions to accept, nor can he submit the text to a referendum. In his view, the three-fifths vote in the assembly constitutes both adoption and approval.

Speaking after the vote, Sonko reminded that the constituent power lies with the National Assembly when it is in session. He stated that the president’s referral to the Constitutional Council was unjustified, noting that the high court has already ruled on the procedure for constitutional revisions adopted by parliament.

The National Assembly speaker also criticized Diomaye’s stance on several reform provisions, particularly the requirement for the president to declare assets at the start and end of his term, and the ban on leading a political party while in office. Sonko recalled that these commitments were championed by the current president when he was in opposition.

Considering this reform as one of the most strengthening for Senegal’s democracy, Sonko argued it will enhance transparency in public management while reducing the cost of democratic functioning. He urged the president to reconsider his stance and promulgate the law, deeming a referendum on these provisions unnecessary.