PASTEF validates only Ousmane Sonko’s presidential bid

The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of PASTEF-Les Patriotes has released its provisional decision on presidential candidates, confirming only one eligible entry: that of incumbent leader Ousmane Sonko.

The announcement, issued by HARP under the leadership of Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup, follows a rigorous review of all nomination files submitted before the May 20, 2026 deadline. Seven other hopefuls saw their bids rejected due to administrative and statutory discrepancies.

Irregularities block multiple candidates

The HARP’s detailed report outlines the specific grounds for dismissing the rejected applications. For aspirants Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye, the issue stemmed from unpaid membership dues—an infringement of article 16 of PASTEF’s internal regulations deemed “non-remediable.”

Other rejections hinged on procedural flaws. Lat Grant Dione’s submission was discarded for failing to include a mandatory declaration addressed to the HARP president. Meanwhile, Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were disqualified after omitting the reverse side of their National ID card or membership card. The case of El Hadji Leyty Thiam took a different turn: he formally withdrew his candidacy in writing, pledging support for Ousmane Sonko instead.

Final deadline for appeals approaches

The HARP’s special session on May 21, 2026—presided over by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup and attended by Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse—has triggered the appeals process. According to article 3 of the decision, candidates may lodge complaints until 5 PM on May 22, 2026. Once the review period concludes, the list of presidential nominees will be permanently finalized.