• Law narrows grounds for disqualification from elections

• Fines no longer a basis for ineligibility under revised code

• Reform follows years of legal disputes involving opposition figures

Senegal’s National Assembly on April 29 approved a bill revising the electoral code. The bill eases the rules that determine who can run for office. The measure passed with 128 votes in favor, 11 against, and two abstentions out of 141 lawmakers present, according to an official statement.

Backed by the ruling PASTEF-Les Patriotes parliamentary group, the reform is intended to broaden political participation by reducing the number of cases that lead to ineligibility. It amends Article L.29 of the electoral code and removes Article L.30, which had barred individuals from running if they were fined more than CFA200,000 (about $360).

Under the new rules, disqualification is now limited to individuals convicted of crimes, as well as those sentenced to more than one month in prison for serious offenses such as theft, fraud, breach of trust, extortion, or misuse of corporate assets.

The change comes after several years marked by legal cases involving opposition figures—some of whom are now in power—as well as arrests of activists during protests ahead of recent elections.

In that context, the reform also reflects an effort by its supporters to address what they see as overly restrictive rules, restore certain civic rights, and redefine the criteria for participation in the electoral process.

Ingrid Haffiny