Senegal's CENA funding raises independence concerns as presidential budget increases
The budget for the Presidency of the Republic in Senegal is projected to increase by 160% in 2026, from 78.6 billion to 204.5 billion CFA francs. This rise is attributed to the inclusion of several entities, including the National Autonomous Electoral Commission CENA, within the presidential scope. This development prompts questions regarding the independence and transparency of the electoral body, especially since its members are appointed by the head of state and its financial resources are now part of the Executive's budget. The issue is particularly pertinent as Senegal approaches critical electoral deadlines, amidst the ongoing political rivalry between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Cheikh Diba, the Minister of Finance and Budget, explained that the budget increase is due to the expanded scope of the Presidency, noting that the palace's own credits would decrease to approximately 64.7 billion CFA francs if the scope remained constant. The CENA, established by law n掳2005-07 of May 11, 2005, possesses legal personality and financial autonomy, with its credits intended for autonomous inscription in the general budget and its president designated as the authorizing officer of credits. Babacar Ba, president of the Forum du justiciable, views this as an institutional problem, stating that an institution responsible for ensuring electoral regularity must have strong guarantees of independence. He believes that even a simple administrative attachment of CENA to the Pr
