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Mauritanian president looks to entrench rule

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Subject

Implications of the proposal to abolish the Senate.

Significance

President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz proposed abolishing the Senate in early May. The government lacks the two-thirds majority to implement a ministerial plan to scrap presidential term limits that would allow Abdelaziz to run for a third elected term in 2019. Although Abdelaziz promises to balance abolishing the Senate with creating new regional councils, his proposals sparked street protests. They also threaten to derail government efforts to initiate a broad dialogue with opposition groups that have hitherto boycotted constitutional politics.

Impacts

  • Abolishing the Senate would weaken democratic culture.
  • It would also antagonise black citizens because it would entrench a regime that many feel is not interested in tackling discrimination.
  • Western partners might reduce certain types of aid, particularly budget support for central government.
  • Abdelaziz would try to offset any Western aid cuts by seeking more support from Gulf monarchies.

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