The PASTEF-Les Patriotes party’s High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) has just released its provisional candidate list for the upcoming presidential election within the movement. After meticulously reviewing all submitted applications before the May 20, 2026 deadline, the regulatory body—led by President Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup—has approved just one candidacy: that of the incumbent leader, Ousmane Sonko. All other submissions were deemed inadmissible due to critical administrative and statutory deficiencies.

Administrative oversights derail multiple candidacies

The HARP’s ruling outlines clear grounds for rejecting the seven other aspirants. For candidates Alassane Sow and El Hadji Moussa Gueye, their exclusion stems from an unredeemable irregularity: both had failed to fulfill their membership fee obligations, directly violating Article 16 of the party’s constitution.

Other disqualifications trace back to procedural errors or missing documentation. Lat Grant Dione’s bid was dismissed outright for failing to submit the mandatory declaration form addressed to the HARP chair. Meanwhile, Pape Alioune Badara Gueye and El Hadji Madior Diop were struck from contention when their verification process uncovered missing details on either the reverse side of their National ID cards or their membership cards. Notably, El Hadji Leyty Thiam voluntarily withdrew his candidacy, as confirmed by both a notary and HARP members, opting instead to endorse Ousmane Sonko’s campaign.

Deadline for appeals set before final candidate confirmation

The HARP’s special session on May 21, 2026—attended by Chair Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup, alongside members Fatimata Sira Sarr, Mamadou Salif Sané, and Baye Niasse—now opens the appeals window. According to Article 3 of the decision, candidates may lodge formal complaints until May 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Once this window closes and any disputes are resolved, the definitive list of presidential hopefuls for PASTEF will be finalized.