PASTEF accepts only Ousmane Sonko’s presidential bid after HARP review

The Regulatory Authority for Political Parties (HARP) of PASTEF-Les Patriotes has finalized its provisional list of candidates for the party’s upcoming presidential election. Following a thorough review of all submitted applications before the May 20, 2026 deadline, the oversight body—led by President Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup—has validated a single candidacy: that of incumbent leader Ousmane Sonko. Every other application has been deemed ineligible due to administrative and statutory discrepancies.

Why most candidacies were rejected

The HARP’s official report outlines the reasons behind the rejection of the seven other aspirants. Two candidates, Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye, were disqualified for failing to meet membership fee obligations, violating Article 16 of the party’s internal regulations. Their dues remained unpaid, rendering their applications invalid.

Other rejections stemmed from procedural oversights or missing documentation. Lat Grant Dione’s bid was dismissed outright for failing to submit a mandatory formal declaration addressed to the HARP president. Meanwhile, Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were barred after the review revealed critical omissions—such as an incomplete National Identity Card or missing membership card reverses. In a separate case, El Hadji Leyty Thiam’s candidacy was withdrawn after he formally notified the HARP in the presence of a bailiff and members, opting to endorse Ousmane Sonko’s bid instead.

Final list to be locked by May 22

The HARP’s special session on May 21, 2026, attended by President Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup and members Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse, marks the start of the contestation phase. According to the decision’s Article 3, any candidate may file a formal appeal by May 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Following this deadline and the resolution of any disputes, the final approved list of presidential candidates for PASTEF will be officially confirmed.