Asset declaration: the Prime Minister and the President of the National Assembly are now subject to the same rules as the Head of State

The National Assembly adopted the amendment to Article 37 of the Constitution, extending the provisions relating to asset declarations to the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister. The new wording maintains the requirement for the President of the Republic to file a written asset declaration with the Constitutional Council within three months of taking the oath of office.

The Head of State is also required to submit a new declaration within three months of leaving office. Written declarations are made public by the Constitutional Council. The procedures for submitting the declaration remain governed by the law on asset declarations, while the procedures for oversight are determined by the organic law relating to the Constitutional Council. The main change is found in the last paragraph of Article 37: "The provisions of this article concerning asset declarations apply to the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister." This amendment thus places the three principal authorities of the State under the same constitutional framework regarding the declaration and publication of assets.

133 votes in favor and 2 against

The vote took place in plenary session with 565 registered members of parliament. A total of 135 voters were recorded, including 12 by proxy. The vote resulted in 133 votes in favor, 2 against, and no abstentions. "The Assembly has adopted," announced the presiding officer after the vote. This provision had sparked debate regarding its inclusion in Article 37, which falls under Title III of the Constitution, dedicated to the President of the Republic. Its proponents, however, believe that this extension does not constitute a challenge to the presidential function, but rather reflects a logic of equality and exemplary conduct in the exercise of the highest public responsibilities. The reform thus aims to strengthen transparency at the highest levels of government by also subjecting the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister to the obligation of declaring their assets at the beginning and end of their terms. The adoption of this provision therefore constitutes an important step in strengthening the constitutional framework for asset transparency in Senegal.