Sonko secured the position on May 26, 2026, after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in his favor. He received 132 votes out of 133 cast, in a session marked by loud applause and celebrations from Members of Parliament, many of whom stood and sang in support of the influential politician.

His election came shortly after Parliament approved his return as a Member of Parliament, following signals he had given after his dismissal on May 22 that he intended to rejoin the legislature.

The path for Sonko’s rise to the speakership was further cleared after El Malick Ndiaye resigned from the position on May 24. Ndiaye, a close ally of Sonko within the ruling Pastef party, stepped down amid growing speculation that Sonko would take over the role.

Sonko’s return to Parliament and swift election as Speaker came a day after President Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô as the country’s new Prime Minister.

Observers warn that the National Assembly under Sonko’s leadership could become a major obstacle to the government’s agenda by delaying or blocking key reforms and legislative projects proposed by the presidency.