The bill, introduced by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was voted down on September 2nd by a margin of 83 votes to 80. Despite the former ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar, holding a majority in Parliament, the amendment failed to gain sufficient support.
The government had justified the proposed abolition as an institutional and budgetary streamlining measure. However, the rejection could lead to unexpected consequences. Some media reports suggest that President Faye, currently attending the China-Africa Summit, is considering dissolving the National Assembly. According to these sources, the President has already sought and obtained the approval of the Constitutional Council for such a move.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA