To everyone's surprise, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced, in a televised address on Thursday, September 12, the dissolution of the National Assembly and the date for early legislative elections. Here's a look at this decision, which could have significant consequences.
"By virtue of the powers conferred upon me by Article 87 of the Constitution, and after consulting the Constitutional Council on the appropriate date, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly on the matter, I hereby dissolve the National Assembly. The date for the legislative elections is set for Sunday, November 17, 2024," announced President Diomaye Faye.
With these words, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the dissolution of the National Assembly on Thursday, setting the stage for early legislative elections. This dissolution comes amidst an institutional deadlock, marked by a legislature elected in 2022, dominated by forces hostile to the new president.
"The dissolution appears to be an attempt to restore institutional balance and give new momentum to the country's governance. President Faye has promised systemic transformation for Senegal, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled," explains Yassine El Yattioui, an expert in international relations and secretary-general of NejMaroc. He adds, "This transformation requires political stability and a parliamentary majority to support the reforms."
The announcement of the dissolution follows a conflict between the Executive and the Legislative branches, with the main point of contention being the rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment on August 29. The amendment aimed to eliminate the High Council of Territorial Collectivities (HCCT) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE). The president had argued that the state of public finances urgently required cutting public spending.
The second reason behind President Faye's decision to dissolve the National Assembly is the overreach of the Assembly's constitutional powers by setting a date for the General Policy Declaration, a violation of Article 84 of the Constitution and Article 97 of the organic law governing the National Assembly's internal regulations. Additionally, there was the looming threat of a no-confidence vote from the Assembly’s majority against the government.
This dissolution of the National Assembly is not without risks. This move to resolve the political paralysis could be seen as an admission of failure in the cohabitation between the Executive and the Legislative branches. It could also deepen political polarization in the country, especially if the November elections fail to produce a clear majority in favor of the president. "The president must ensure that these legislative elections are conducted transparently and fairly to fully legitimize his plan for systemic transformation," concludes Yassine El Yattioui.
