PASTEF validates only Ousmane Sonko’s presidential bid

The regulatory body of PASTEF-Les Patriotes, known as the High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP), has released its provisional list of candidates for the party’s presidential election. After evaluating all submitted declarations before the May 20, 2026 deadline, the authority—led by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup—approved just one application: that of incumbent leader Ousmane Sonko. Every other submission was rejected due to administrative or procedural shortcomings.

Multiple rejections tied to unpaid dues and incomplete paperwork

HARP’s detailed decision outlines why seven other hopefuls were disqualified. Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye were barred for failing to meet membership fee requirements, breaching Article 16 of the party’s internal regulations. Their payment delinquency was deemed an irreparable flaw.

Other rejections stemmed from missing documents or clerical errors. Lat Grant Dione’s bid was dismissed for omitting the mandatory declaration addressed to the HARP chair. Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were disqualified after their National ID cards or membership cards lacked verification on the reverse side. Meanwhile, El Hadji Leyty Thiam’s name was withdrawn after he formally withdrew his candidacy in writing to support Ousmane Sonko’s bid.

Deadline for appeals set for May 22

The May 21, 2026 meeting of the HARP—attended by Chair Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup and members Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse—triggered the appeals process. According to Article 3 of the decision, candidates may lodge complaints until 5:00 PM on May 22. After this window closes, any disputes will be resolved, and the final candidate roster for PASTEF’s presidency will be locked in place.