(CBS/AP) DAKAR, Senegal - Senegalese lawmakers, who are divided between a
150-seat national assembly and a 100-seat senate, voted to do away with
the senate, passing a law which dissolves the institution in order to
save an estimated $15 million.
Minister of Justice Aminata Toure
explained that the suppression Tuesday of the senate is intended to curb
government spending, and will provide the cash needed to help the
victims of the yearly rains which have left thousands homeless and
killed at least 13 people.
Unlike the national assembly, the
senate is a relatively recent institution, and has become a symbol of
government waste. It's been frequently pilloried and described as an
instrument of cronyism, a way to reward loyal party workers who did not
get elected to the larger national assembly. Around half the senators
are directly appointed by the president.
Congress also
voted to abolish the office of vice president, establish in 2009 by
then-President Abdoulaye Wade, the BBC reports. It has not ever been
occupied.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/senegal-gets-rid-of-its-senate-to-save-money/
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