Senegal parliament passes reform reducing president power

Senegal’s parliament passed a major constitutional reform on Monday, June 29, 2026, that would shift power from the presidency to the legislature and prime minister, prompting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to announce a national referendum on the changes. The vote occurred amid significant political tension, including an opposition boycott inside the National Assembly and clashes between police and protesters outside the building in Dakar.

The bill, proposed by the ruling Pastef party, was adopted by an overwhelming majority. Pastef holds 130 of the assembly’s 165 seats. The party, led by parliament speaker and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, stated the reform aims for a better rebalancing of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in Senegal’s presidential system.

Key provisions of the amendment would strengthen the National Assembly and the prime minister while curtailing presidential authority. The president would be barred from leading a political party or coalition. The drafting of the government program, currently a presidential prerogative, would require consultation with the prime minister, who would also gain authority over civil service...