On the 20th of March, the people of Senegal took part in a constitutional referendum, consolidating the already significant progress in democratic governance made by Senegal and making it a model for the West African region. A 62% majority of the Senegalese population voted in favour of constitutional changes although the voter turnout was low (38%). The chances consisted among others of shortening the presidential term from seven years to five years from the next presidential election in 2019 onwards, having constitutional recognition for the Leader of the Opposition, enhanced powers for local authorities, rights to a healthy environment and changes to the rights of land ownership and natural resources.

Senegal has implemented impressive democratic reforms and achieved extraordinary economic development under the Macky Sall administration. Nevertheless, the President has come under criticism, including from influential politicians, for not proposing to cut his own first term, as he pledged before he was elected in April 2012.

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