Senegal opposition FDR contests Ousmane Sonko's return to parliament

The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has formally challenged the re‑entry of former prime minister Ousmane Sonko into Senegal's National Assembly. The coalition argues that Sonko's mandate violates Article LO172 of the electoral code, which requires a minister‑elected deputy to forfeit the seat within eight days if they do not resign from the government, and Article 54 of the Constitution, which mandates an organic law for any former minister to regain a parliamentary seat.

The FDR describes the parliamentary maneuver as an "illegal and illegitimate" act and a "parliamentary coup," calling for Sonko's removal and the annulment of the Assembly’s internal rule changes that it says cannot supersede higher legal norms. Over 140 parties and movements have signed a joint declaration demanding Sonko's exit, and opposition deputies have referred the matter to the Constitutional Council for a definitive legal ruling.