Story perspectives

Assembly Passes Bill Clearing Sonko’s Candidacy Hurdle

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Assembly approved the electoral code changes by a vote of 128-to-11 with two abstentions.
The amendments remove the provision that disqualified Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, clearing a legal obstacle to his candidacy.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye must decide whether to sign the bill after it was fast-tracked through an emergency procedure.
Opposition parties denounced the emergency process and may take the case to the Constitutional Council.

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Story summary

The National Assembly approved the electoral code changes by a vote of 128-to-11 with two abstentions.
The amendments remove the provision that disqualified Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, clearing a legal obstacle to his candidacy.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye must decide whether to sign the bill after it was fast-tracked through an emergency procedure.
Opposition parties denounced the emergency process and may take the case to the Constitutional Council.