The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of PASTEF-Les Patriotes has just released Decision No. 002/2026/HARP, which outlines the provisional list of candidates for the party’s presidential election. Following a thorough review of all declaration files submitted by the May 20, 2026 deadline, the HARP, led by President Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup, has validated only one candidacy: that of incumbent leader Ousmane Sonko. All other applications were deemed inadmissible due to administrative and statutory deficiencies.
Multiple rejections based on unpaid dues and incomplete documentation
The HARP’s detailed report highlights the specific reasons behind the rejection of the seven other candidates’ applications. For Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye, the authority identified an “irreparable irregularity” stemming from their failure to meet membership fee obligations, violating Article 16 of the party’s internal regulations.
Other rejections were due to procedural errors or missing documents. Lat Grant Dione’s application was disqualified for lacking the mandatory declaration addressed to the HARP president. Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were rejected after their National Identity Cards or membership cards were found to be incomplete. Meanwhile, El Hadji Leyty Thiam withdrew his candidacy, as confirmed in a notarized statement before the HARP members, opting instead to support Ousmane Sonko’s bid.
Deadline for appeals set for May 22
The special session held on May 21, 2026, attended by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup (chairman) and members Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse, marks the start of the appeals process as per the party’s statutes. According to Article 3 of the decision, any candidate may lodge a complaint by 5:00 PM on May 22, 2026. After this deadline and following the resolution of any disputes, the final list of presidential candidates for PASTEF will be confirmed.
