Amadou Ba discusses potential dissolution of the National Assembly
Amadou Ba, a Pastef Les Patriotes Member of Parliament, commented on the possibility of the President dissolving the National Assembly, stating it falls within the President's constitutional powers but carries significant political implications. Ba noted that the National Assembly has been dissolved previously in Senegal, but emphasized that it is not for MPs to speculate on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's decision. Regarding early legislative elections, Ba remained cautious, stating that Pastef would not speculate on whether the President would exercise this option. He highlighted that a snap election or referendum could backfire on the power that called it, leading to significant consequences for the Head of State. Ba referenced the Gaullist tradition, where a president disavowed by voters should face the political consequences, potentially including resignation. Should the presidential camp lose early legislative elections, Ba believes the victorious coalition should form the government, leading to cohabitation and a significant shift in executive-parliamentary relations. Despite these scenarios, the Pastef MP affirmed that his party does not intend to provoke or anticipate a dissolution, stating it is the President's decision. Ba concluded by reiterating that the President bears the responsibility for such a decision, which must consider its potential political and institutional ramifications.
