The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of PASTEF-Les Patriotes officially initiated the process for electing the party president on May 14, 2026. As outlined in decision n°001/2026/HARP, the window for submitting candidacies commenced on May 15 and will close precisely at noon on May 20, 2026.

PASTEF leadership election: addressing internal critiques?

The recent directive from HARP ensures no preferential treatment for the incumbent president, Ousmane Sonko. This move formally opens the leadership contest to all factions within the party, allowing the current Prime Minister the opportunity to seek a renewed mandate, yet without any automatic assurance of retaining the party’s top position.

This structured and open competition directly addresses public comments made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who previously articulated concerns that PASTEF had become excessively “personified.” By establishing a transparent and regulated electoral process, HARP directly responds to this critique, simultaneously bringing the crucial question of PASTEF’s future leadership to the forefront during a pivotal political moment.

When questioned recently about the party’s potential candidate for the 2029 presidential election, President Diomaye Faye indicated that any nomination would hinge on the outcomes of the forthcoming congress, underscoring that the internal debate over a presidential contender remained unresolved. This internal party leadership election serves as a foundational step preceding that significant discussion.

Swift timeline for PASTEF presidential candidates

HARP has established a stringent timeline, granting prospective candidates a mere five working days to compile and submit their applications. These submissions must adhere to a standard declaration form provided with the official decision. The resolution from HARP was formally adopted during a special session convened on May 14, 2026.

The outcome of this crucial internal ballot will officially define who leads PASTEF, setting the stage for the upcoming congress where the pivotal decision regarding the party’s candidate for the 2029 presidential election is expected to be finalized.