A major constitutional and political battle is unfolding in Senegal as lawmakers prepare to debate whether opposition figure Ousmane Sonko can reclaim his parliamentary seat after leaving government office. The heated discussion has exposed deep divisions among politicians, legal experts and the public over the interpretation of the country’s Constitution.
The debate comes during a critical moment in Senegalese politics, with the ruling PASTEF party holding a dominant majority in the National Assembly after winning 130 out of 165 seats in the November 2024 legislative elections.
At the centre of the controversy is Article 54 of Senegal’s Constitution, which states that membership in government is incompatible with serving as a member of parliament or holding any paid professional activity. Critics argue that Sonko automatically lost his parliamentary mandate when he joined the government.
Supporters of the former Prime Minister strongly disagree. They insist that the constitutional rule only prevents someone from exercising executive and legislative powers at the same time, but does not cancel an elected mandate. They also note that Sonko’s election was officially validated by the Constitutional Council and was never legally challenged within the required timeframe.
The issue gained momentum after Senegal appointed a new Prime Minister, officially ending Sonko’s tenure in government and reopening the possibility of his return to parliament.
Inside the ruling coalition, some political allies are even discussing the possibility of Sonko eventually seeking the presidency of the National Assembly following the announced resignation of current speaker El Malick Ndiaye.
For supporters, Sonko’s return would represent democratic continuity and respect for the will of voters. For critics, however, it risks setting a controversial constitutional precedent that could blur the separation between executive and legislative authority.
The outcome of the parliamentary session is expected to become one of the biggest institutional tests facing Senegal’s new political era under PASTEF’s overwhelming parliamentary dominance.
