The Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité (Pastef) has set its sights on a pivotal moment with its first-ever elective national congress scheduled for June 6-7, 2026 in Dakar. The primary agenda? Electing the party’s new president and charting its political course for the years ahead. Under the watchful eye of current Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the party is gearing up for a critical transition while the nation braces for key electoral milestones in 2027 and 2029.

In a move that came as no shock to observers, Sonko has been declared the only candidate vying for his own re-election as party leader. The Haute Autorité de Régulation du Parti (Harp) released the final list of approved candidates on May 22, revealing that seven (7) applications had been rejected outright. Reasons cited include incomplete documentation—such as missing identification or membership cards—as well as procedural irregularities that could no longer be corrected after the May 20 filing deadline.

The upcoming congress isn’t just about leadership; it’s a strategic gathering where Pastef will outline its vision for the future, aligning its policies with the looming local elections in 2027 and the presidential race in 2029. With Sonko at the helm, the party is poised to solidify its stance ahead of these high-stakes political battles.