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Senegal’s Parliament Moves to Clear Path for Sonko’s Future Run
Dakar, SenegalTuesday, April 28, 2026
Senegal’s New Voting Law: A Potential Path for Ousmane Sonko
Senegal’s lawmakers have just passed a new voting law that could allow former opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to run in the 2029 presidential race.
- Approval Details:
- 128 members voted in favor, 11 opposed, and 2 stayed neutral.
- Impact on Sonko:
- He was barred from the 2024 election due to a court ruling. The new law removes that legal hurdle, potentially making his candidacy possible again in 2029.
- Political Context:
- Sonko split with current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who won the 2024 vote. Although Faye was chosen by Sonko’s own party, their disagreements on policy and leadership style have deepened the divide.
- Strategic Implications:
- Supporters believe Sonko may aim for the presidency next time, making this law a strategic move.
- Legislative Process:
- The National Assembly adopted the bill through an emergency process that critics say was rushed. It now goes to President Faye, who can sign or refuse it.
- Future Actions:
- If the president does not approve, opposition parties could still bring the issue to the Constitutional Council.
- Broader Constitutional Changes:
- The government is also seeking public input on broader reforms, including updates to the constitution itself, the electoral code, rules for political parties, and the election oversight court.
- Draft reforms are open to discussion before a cabinet meeting.
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