Senegal's APR demands automatic loss of mandate for party‑switching officials

The Alliance for the Republic (APR) in Senegal has condemned what it calls “political transhumance,” the recruitment of mayors, municipal and departmental councillors into the new presidential party. The party argues that elected officials who change party affiliation before the end of their term undermine the voters’ original mandate and constitute a breach of the democratic contract. APR is calling for a reform that would automatically strip any local official who leaves the party under which they were elected of their mandate – except for independents – prompting fresh elections. It also accuses the current government of orchestrating these defections to artificially create parliamentary majorities.

The APR says it will continue to defend the integrity of the vote and the principle of respecting the popular will.