Dakar, Senegal — The National Assembly of Senegal has approved amendments to the country’s electoral code, a pivotal decision that could enable Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to pursue his presidential aspirations in the upcoming election.
The bill, proposed by Sonko’s PASTEF party, secured a strong majority, with 128 votes in favor, 11 against, and two abstentions.
The amendments target Articles 29 and 30 of the electoral code, which had previously disqualified candidates with specific convictions, including defamation. Sonko’s 2024 presidential bid was thwarted due to a defamation conviction, prompting his deputy, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to take his place and later appoint Sonko as Prime Minister.
The reform seeks to eliminate legal barriers that would otherwise prevent Sonko from vying for the presidency in 2029.
The opposition has criticized the amendments as “personalized “and potentially unconstitutional, while supporters argue that the current electoral code has been used to disqualify candidates based on political interests.
The amendment now awaits President Faye’s decision on whether to sign it into law. His choice could significantly impact Senegal’s political landscape and the 2029 presidential race. If approved, it would open the door for Sonko’s candidacy, potentially reshaping the political competition and dynamics.
The reform is part of a broader debate on electoral fairness and political interests in Senegal.
As the amendment awaits the president’s decision, the implications for the country’s political future remain under scrutiny.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
