Amidst the controversy surrounding the examination of the proposed law amending the Electoral Code, the chairman of the Law Commission, Abdoulaye Tall, stepped forward to defend the procedure followed by the National Assembly. Faced with criticism from the opposition, he denounced what he called "delaying tactics" aimed, in his view, at obstructing the proper conduct of the vote.

Responding to objections based on the provisions of the internal regulations, particularly Article 83, Mr. Abdoulaye Tall believes the debate was deliberately shifted to procedural grounds to hinder the adoption of the text. "Talking about Article 83 is merely a delaying tactic. We knew the other side would try to sabotage the vote," he stated firmly.

The chairman of the Law Commission emphasized the regularity of the process. According to him, the internal regulations were scrupulously respected by all actors involved, from the Assembly's Bureau to the committees, including the members of parliament who initiated the bill. He reiterated that the emergency procedure can be initiated either by the President of the Republic—in which case it is mandatory—or by a required number of parliamentarians. "If the President requests an emergency procedure, it is his right. But members of parliament can also make the request, provided they meet the required threshold," he explained. In this particular case, Mr. Abdoulaye Tall pointed out that 17 members of parliament signed the request, thus respecting the required quota, while the Head of State also gave his opinion. Therefore, in his view, no procedural violation can be established.

A fully endorsed parliamentary initiative

Beyond the controversy, the legal expert highlights what he considers a major institutional shift. He emphasizes that the Electoral Code is no longer the exclusive prerogative of the Executive branch, but now falls under the purview of a shared legislative initiative. "The power to initiate legislation now belongs concurrently to the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the members of Parliament," he reiterated, stressing that this dynamic strengthens Parliament's role in the legislative process.

For Mr. Abdoulaye Tall, the review of this text is part of the normal functioning of institutions. He rejects any idea of forcing it through and describes the review of this law as an ordinary matter falling within the scope of standard legislative work.