São Tomé and Príncipe held a presidential election on Sunday as the island nation continued its democratic tradition. Approximately 142,000 registered voters participated, with roughly 15% casting ballots from abroad, according to the National Election Commission. The small West African state has maintained a reputation for conducting peaceful and competitive elections since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
Incumbent President Carlos Vila Nova sought re-election as an independent candidate rather than representing the Acção Democrática Independente party, which had backed his initial victory five years earlier. This shift reflected rising tensions between Vila Nova and his former party, stemming from his dismissal of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada in January 2025. Vila Nova faced competition from four other candidates, including parliamentary leader Nito D’Abreu and former Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus, with results requiring a runoff if no candidate secured over 50% support.
The election took place amid political friction and a constitutional dispute that strained the nation’s typically stable democratic environment. Voters expressed concerns about widespread corruption, inflation, youth unemployment, fuel shortages, and power outages. International observers from the European Union, G7+, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries monitored the polls, recognizing São Tomé and Príncipe’s strategic importance as a Western ally in maritime security and its role in global oil markets.
Originally reported by Theguardian →
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