Ousmane Sonko set to lead Senegal’s Pastef party into 2027 elections

Dakar — The Senegalese Patriotic Africans for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (Pastef) party is gearing up for its first-ever national elective congress, scheduled for June 6-7, 2026 in Dakar. The landmark event will center on electing the party’s president and shaping its political roadmap for the coming years, as the nation braces for critical electoral milestones in 2027 and 2029.

In a move that comes as little surprise, Ousmane Sonko, the current Prime Minister of Senegal, has emerged as the sole candidate for his own re-election as party leader. The decision was formalized by the Haute Autorité de Régulation du Parti (Harp) on May 22, following a review of submitted applications.

However, the process was not without its setbacks. The Harp declared the candidacies of seven individuals inadmissible, citing either incomplete documentation—such as missing identification or membership cards—or procedural irregularities that could not be rectified after the May 20 deadline for submissions.

The upcoming congress, presided over by Sonko himself, will not only determine the party’s leadership but also adopt key political orientations to guide its strategy ahead of the 2027 local elections and the 2029 presidential race. Observers see this gathering as a pivotal moment for Pastef as it consolidates its vision for Senegal’s future.

The election of the party president is expected to reinforce Sonko’s influence within the political landscape, particularly as he continues to play a central role in national governance. With the political temperature rising, all eyes will be on Dakar in June to see how Pastef positions itself for the challenges and opportunities ahead.