This landmark legislation revises the rules governing civic rights deprivation in Senegal. The new provisions cap the civil rights suspension period at five years post-sentence and introduce retroactive application, potentially reinstating Ousmane Sonko’s eligibility for future elections.

Sonko’s 2024 exclusion

The current Prime Minister was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential race after a defamation conviction upheld by the Supreme Court. He subsequently endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the Pastef party’s candidate, who ultimately secured the presidency.

Internal party tensions

The reform has sparked significant divisions within the ruling Pastef coalition. Recent months saw Sonko’s allies accuse President Faye of attempting to obstruct the legislation, fueling rumors of growing political rivalry ahead of the 2029 vote.

Renewed political debate

Despite his 2024 disqualification, Sonko was elected to the National Assembly in the legislative elections before resigning his seat to focus on his premiership. His supporters now argue this sequence demonstrates his future eligibility for the presidency.