New constitutional reform limits the Senegalese head of state's political party role

The Conference of Presidents of the National Assembly, meeting in Dakar on June 20, 2026, validated the acceleration of the review process for this bill. The reform, detailed in the explanatory statement presented by the Pastef party, seeks to clarify the head of state's role in political life. Key provisions include prohibiting the President from holding a leadership position within a political party or coalition, limiting their party role to an honorary capacity.

Additionally, the head of state would only be permitted to participate in an electoral campaign if they are a candidate for their own re-election. The project also proposes rewriting the presidential oath to emphasize the defense of institutions, national cohesion, transparency in public affairs management, and the primacy of the general interest.