On Sunday 20 March 2016, the people of Senegal approved by referendum a reform of the country’s constitution. Voting was carried out peacefully and without disturbance, attesting to the electorate’s deep commitment to democratic principles.

The new constitutional provisions include a restriction on the number of consecutive presidential terms and the shortening of the presidential term from seven years to five years. Taken together, the adopted changes are a step towards strengthening the democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The European Union stands alongside Senegal, committed to supporting it on the road to economic and social development.