Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal)- The ongoing dispute between the Senegalese National Assembly and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is poised for resolution as the assembly prepares to amend its internal regulations.
On Tuesday, the presidents of parliamentary groups convened to establish a task force led by MP Moussa Diakhaté, the president of the Law Commission of the parliament. This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive representation, including various parliamentary groups, non-attached deputies, and administrative officials.
Prime Minister Sonko had refrained from reading a policy declaration, citing insufficient standing orders. He threatened to deliver it before an assembly of Senegalese people, partners, and a jury if not provided by July 15. The parliament criticized Sonko’s controversial statement, labeling it “outrageous” and a threat to the country’s institutions.
To resolve the impasse, the task force is scheduled to meet early next week for an intensive two- to three-day session to address the internal regulations.
According to sources, there are two proposed approaches for this task. The first approach is to reintegrate the provisions concerning the Prime Minister into the existing standing orders.
The second, more comprehensive approach involves a thorough review and cleaning of the standing orders to address the noted blockages and interpretative challenges experienced during this legislature.
The second approach, while seen by some as beneficial for the next legislature, is viewed by others as potentially redundant if the current legislature is dissolved in September. Nevertheless, the urgency of the matter is clear, with the possibility of the working group submitting its report as early as Wednesday.
Following the report submission, the National Assembly’s office will convene to request the opening of an extraordinary session to examine and approve the revised Standing orders. Once this extraordinary session concludes, the revised bill will be submitted to the President of the Republic for promulgation.
Upon completion of this entire process, another extraordinary session will be convened. This session will enable the Prime Minister to deliver the General Policy Declaration and allow the National Assembly to look into the government’s amended appropriation bill.
These steps are critical to ensuring the smooth functioning and legislative efficiency of the National Assembly moving forward.
The proposed revisions and the swift action expected in the coming days underscore the commitment to enhancing the legislative framework and ensuring the effective governance of the National Assembly.
