Senegal: PASTEF party leadership election kicks off amid Sonko-Diomaye tensions

The regulatory body of PASTEF-Les Patriotes, the High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP), has officially initiated the process to elect the party’s president on May 14, 2026. According to the published decision (n°001/2026/HARP), candidates can submit their applications from May 15 until noon on May 20, 2026.

An inclusive process addressing Diomaye Faye’s concerns

This election procedure does not grant automatic re-election to the current leader, Ousmane Sonko. Instead, it opens the competition to all factions within the party, allowing the sitting Prime Minister, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to seek another term—but without any guarantee of success. The move directly addresses public criticisms from Diomaye Faye, who has previously argued that the party suffers from excessive personalization.

By establishing a transparent and regulated process, HARP aims to redefine the party’s leadership structure during this pivotal moment. When questioned about the party’s presidential candidate for 2029, Diomaye Faye emphasized that the decision would hinge on the outcomes of the upcoming congress, signaling that internal discussions on the matter remain unresolved.

Tight deadline for candidates

The HARP has set a strict five-day window for candidates to prepare and submit their applications, using a standardized declaration form provided with the decision. The resolution was adopted during a special session held on May 14, 2026.

The outcome of this internal ballot will determine who officially represents PASTEF ahead of the next congress, where the party’s presidential candidate for 2029 is expected to be finalized.