Senegal Votes to Slash Presidential Powers – Reform Passes by a Hair
Senegal’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that reduces the powers of the president, shifting key executive authorities to the prime minister and parliament following a controversial vote on July 1, 2026 [186530]. The reform, which passed with a narrow majority, sparked protests in the capital, Dakar, as critics argued the process lacked transparency while supporters said it strengthens democratic checks and balances [186530].
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office earlier this year, had campaigned on a promise to decentralize power [186530]. The amendment now awaits ratification by the Constitutional Council [186530]. The vote was closely watched as a test of Senegal’s political direction, coming seven years after the Hirak pro-democracy protests shook neighboring Algeria, where a new parliament election is raising questions about whether it will spark fresh political momentum or lock in the existing status quo [186364].