# Judicial and electoral transitions in São Tomé and Príncipe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/judicial-and-electoral-transitions-in-so-tom-and-prncipe > Updated: 2026-08-28T17:55:52.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. São Tomé and Príncipe has undertaken efforts to strengthen its judiciary and manage electoral transitions. In August 2026, five new judges officially took office following a 2023 competition, an initiative intended to address magistrate shortages and significant case backlogs. However, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Eurídice Dias, cautioned that a lack of material resources for staff and judges remains a critical issue. Following these appointments, the President of the Constitutional Court, Artur Vera Cruz, indicated he may resign after the proclamation of the September 27 election results. Vera Cruz had originally joined the court on a six-month leave to assist with the judicial transition following the removal of previous judges, stating his primary mission was to facilitate the presidential and legislative electoral processes. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Constitutional Courts in São Tomé and Príncipe and Portugal face key developments Constitutional Courts in São Tomé and Príncipe and Portugal face significant developments: one regarding a potential presidential resignation after elections, and the other regarding a migration law ruling. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/constitutional-courts-in-so-tom-and-prncipe-and-portugal-face-key-developments ### 2026-08-11: São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurates new judges to bolster judiciary Five new judges have been inaugurated in São Tomé and Príncipe to combat judicial shortages and case backlogs, though officials warn that a lack of material resources remains a significant challenge. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-inaugurates-new-judges-to-bolster-judiciary --- Cite as: Judicial and electoral transitions in São Tomé and Príncipe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/judicial-and-electoral-transitions-in-so-tom-and-prncipe