PASTEF leadership race: HARP clears sole candidate
The PASTEF-Les Patriotes party’s regulatory body, the Haute Autorité de Régulation du Parti (HARP), has finalized its provisional list of presidential hopefuls following a rigorous review process. Chaired by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup, the HARP announced only one valid candidacy—that of incumbent leader Ousmane Sonko—after evaluating submissions received by the 20 May 2026 deadline.
All other applications were formally rejected due to administrative and statutory irregularities, as outlined in Decision No. 002/2026/HARP. The HARP’s detailed report highlights multiple grounds for disqualification.
Why other PASTEF members were barred from the race
- Unpaid dues violations: Candidates Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye failed to meet membership fee obligations, breaching Article 16 of the party’s constitution. Their irregularities were deemed non-remediable.
- Missing documentation:
- Lat Grand Dione’s bid was dismissed for failing to submit the mandatory candidate declaration addressed to the HARP president.
- Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were disqualified after the HARP uncovered missing information on the reverse side of their National ID or membership cards.
- Withdrawn candidacy: El Hadji Leyty Thiam voluntarily stepped aside, submitting a sworn statement to the HARP confirming his support for Ousmane Sonko.
Deadline for appeals opens as party finalizes candidate list
The HARP’s special session on 21 May 2026—attended by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup, Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse—has triggered a 24-hour window for appeals. Per Article 3 of the regulation, candidates may file objections until 22 May 2026 at 5:00 PM. Once adjudicated, the definitive list of presidential contenders will be locked in.
