DAKAR—President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has acknowledged the National Assembly’s refusal to dissolve the High Council of Local Authorities (HCCT) and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), as announced by the presidency on Wednesday.

According to the Burkina Information Agency, President Faye respects the decision made by the majority of the deputies and reaffirmed his dedication to fostering a democratic environment where multiple political views can be expressed, essential for maintaining a balanced power system. The proposal to amend the constitution to dissolve these bodies was part of a broader government effort to rationalize public spending and reform political institutions, but it was narrowly defeated with 83 MPs voting against and 80 in favor during a plenary session that extended into late Monday evening.

The presidency highlighted the vote as indicative of a significant rift between the majority deputies and the public’s expectations, which were clearly voiced during the last presidential election on March 24. The statement also noted that the decision to maintain the HCCT and the CESE, despite their proposed dissolution, aligns with ongoing presidential efforts to streamline government expenditure, including the recent abolition of the National Commission for Territorial Dialogue.