Senegalese Presidential Term to Be Extended

03 September 2008

Senegal’s presidential term of office is set to be extended from five to seven years after the country’s lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of an amendment.

The amendment to Article 27 of the country’s constitution will not come into effect until 2012 when President Abdoulaye Wade’s term comes to an end. He could still benefit however, as the 82 year old could stand in the 2012 elections to challenge for another term. The bill needs the approval of the President, senate and congress before being passed but due to the overwhelming majority of Wade’s ruling Parti Democratic Senegalaise, it is unlikely to be opposed.

The country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Madické Niang says the reforms are essential due to the government’s inability to perform on time but opposition groups argue that a referendum should be called for such an important constitutional change.