Senegal: Designation of PASTEF Party Leader Amid Tensions Between Sonko and Diomaye

On May 14, 2026, the High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of PASTEF initiated the election process for the party president, with candidacy submissions open until May 20. This decision allows Ousmane Sonko to seek re-election without guaranteeing automatic access to leadership. Diomaye Faye criticized the party for being too 'personalized,' and HARP's open procedure addresses this concern. The internal election will determine PASTEF's leadership ahead of the congress that will discuss the candidacy for the 2029 presidential election.