Senegal adopts constitutional amendments curbing presidential dissolution and limiting motions of censure

Senegal’s National Assembly, led by the Pastef parliamentary group, approved two key amendments to the constitution. Article 86 creates a fast‑track procedure allowing the government to pass bills without a vote unless a motion of censure is filed within 24 hours; the use of such motions is limited to two per year. Article 87 restricts the president’s power to dissolve parliament, permitting only one dissolution per presidential term.

The justice minister, Moussa Sarr, reiterated the need for broad national dialogue and consultation before any constitutional change, emphasizing the tradition of Senegalese political consensus. Civil‑society leaders, including Moundiaye Cissé of the COSC and Babacar Ba of the Forum du Justiciable, called for postponing the plenary vote scheduled for 29 June to allow wider public discussion and avoid an institutional crisis. Think‑tank founder Alioune Tine warned that “the people are not defined by the majority of voters,” urging a more inclusive process.

Supporters argue the reforms will end chronic parliamentary deadlock and provide stability for economic programmes, while critics contend the measures concentrate power in the executive and threaten democratic checks and balances.