Senegal faces institutional tension over National Assembly dissolution

Senegal is facing heightened institutional tensions as debates intensify regarding the potential dissolution of the National Assembly. The political landscape has shifted following the election of Ousmane Sonko as President of the National Assembly, a move that has altered the balance of power between the executive branch, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the legislature.

Samba Ndiaye, the mayor of Ndoffane, has publicly called for the dissolution of the Assembly to clarify political power dynamics. While some officials suggest a dissolution could occur as early as December 2, legal constraints may prevent the President from dissolving the current Assembly until December 2, 2026. This potential move is seen by some as a way for the President to secure a more direct parliamentary majority.

Simultaneously, uncertainty surrounds the upcoming territorial elections. Historical data shows that local elections in Senegal have been postponed five times since 1984 due to administrative reforms or political instability. As the current mandates approach their end, civil society and opposition groups are demanding strict adherence to the electoral calendar to avoid the delays that characterized previous cycles.