The Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité (Pastef) is preparing for its first-ever elective national congress, scheduled for June 6–7, 2026 in Dakar. The primary objective of this event is to elect the party’s president. In the lead-up, the Haute autorité de régulation du parti (Harp) has released the list of approved candidates, following a review process completed this May 22.
As expected, incumbent Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stands as the sole candidate for re-election as party leader. However, the applications of seven individuals have been rejected for various reasons. The Harp cited incomplete documentation—such as missing identification or membership cards—as well as procedural irregularities that could not be rectified after the May 20 deadline.
The congress, which Sonko will preside over, will not only determine the next leader of Pastef but also establish key policy directions for the coming years. This gathering comes at a critical time, with local elections in 2027 and the 2029 presidential vote on the horizon, shaping the political landscape of Senegal.
