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Senegal Referendum To Reduce Presidential Term

by PH March 21, 2016, 4:41 pm

A man cast his ballot during an constitutional referendum in Dakar, Senegal, Sunday, March 20, 2016. Senegalese residents on Sunday voted on a constitutional referendum that could see sweeping constitutional reforms including a reduction of presidential powers and terms from seven to five years, on a continent where many leaders try to hold onto power. (AP Photo/Carley Petesch)

Senegalese residents are voting on a referendum that would see some sweeping constitutional reforms including a reduction of the presidential term from seven to five years.

The election commission says more than 5 million people are expected to vote on Sunday to determine if more than a dozen reforms will be adopted.

The referendum proposed by President Macky Sall is in stark contrast to other heads of state in Africa trying to change constitutions to remain in power.

Senegal’s referendum also calls for a strengthened National Assembly, better representation for Senegalese abroad, greater rights for the opposition and participation of independent candidates in elections among the 15 changes.

In February, the Constitutional Council rejected Sall’s suggestion he limit his own term to five years, in line with campaign promises in 2012.