# São Tomé and Príncipe election results and observer reports > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/so-tom-and-prncipe-political-and-economic-developments > Updated: 2026-09-29T11:23:21.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5. Following the simultaneous legislative, municipal, and regional elections on September 27, 2026, the political landscape in São Tomé and Príncipe has shifted toward a period of potential coalition building. While initial reports described the process as “peaceful, orderly, and calm,” subsequent findings from international observation missions have provided a more nuanced assessment. The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) characterized the voting process as “free, transparent, and credible,” noting adherence to democratic values and significant progress in gender representation. The CPLP highlighted that women comprised approximately 50% of polling station members, while the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) also commended the peaceful environment and the representation of youth and women. In contrast, the European Union (EU) observation mission raised specific concerns regarding the “politicization of the judiciary” and the independence of the Constitutional Court, citing issues with equality of treatment and judicial recourse. The EU also identified deficiencies in campaign financing transparency, specifically a lack of effective systems for the timely disclosure of revenues and expenditures. Despite these varying assessments, the National Electoral Commission (CEN) reported a historic voter abstention rate of 62.92%. This record-breaking non-participation followed an appeal to abstain by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Preliminary results indicate a highly competitive outcome where the social-democratic Movimento de Libertação de São Tomé e Príncipe (MLSTP) secured 24 seats, narrowly surpassing the center-right Ação Democrática Independente (ADI), which obtained 23 seats. As an absolute majority requires 28 seats, political alliances remain essential for forming a new government. The election cycle also highlighted ongoing socio-economic challenges, including high rates of youth emigration driven by limited professional opportunities. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: MLSTP wins narrow victory in São Tomé and Príncipe elections The MLSTP won a narrow victory in São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislative elections with 24 seats, while voter abstention hit a record 62.92%. Observers noted both democratic progress and judicial concerns. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-legislative-elections-see-record-abstention ### 2026-09-27: São Tomé and Príncipe holds legislative and regional elections São Tomé and Príncipe held legislative and regional elections on September 27. MLSTP leader Américo Barros claims a near-absolute majority, while ADI leader Américo Ramos remains confident of victory. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-holds-legislative-and-local-elections ### 2026-09-24: São Tomé and Príncipe prepares for triple elections São Tomé and Príncipe holds triple elections this Sunday, with President Carlos Vila Nova urging high voter turnout to strengthen the republic amid concerns over youth unemployment and economic opportunity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-prepares-for-triple-elections ### 2026-09-22: São Tomé and Príncipe political parties seek constitutional reform São Tomé and Príncipe political parties agree on the need for constitutional reform and seat reduction ahead of elections, while new parity laws have increased female candidates to 41%. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-political-parties-seek-constitutional-reform ### 2026-09-20: São Tomé and Príncipe leaders propose economic growth strategies Political leaders in São Tomé and Príncipe are proposing economic strategies to boost GDP growth above 3% and reduce external dependency ahead of upcoming legislative elections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/so-tom-and-prncipe-leaders-propose-economic-growth-strategies --- Cite as: São Tomé and Príncipe election results and observer reports. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/so-tom-and-prncipe-political-and-economic-developments