As the PASTEF party gears up for its upcoming congress, the official opening of candidate submissions for the party leadership has commenced.

The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) has outlined a clear timeline, allowing candidates to submit their applications from May 15, 2026, at midnight through May 20, 2026, at noon.

To streamline the process, HARP will provide standardized candidate declaration forms to all interested contenders vying for the party’s helm.

This milestone represents a critical juncture for PASTEF, poised to strengthen its internal structure and solidify its role as the ruling party in the political landscape.

The upcoming congress is widely anticipated to be a formality rather than a competitive race, with Ousmane Sonko, the party’s central figure and founding leader, expected to be unanimously reelected as its chairman.

The timing of this internal election is strategic, enabling PASTEF to consolidate its governance following its rise to power and prepare for future political milestones.