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São Tomé and Príncipe election results and observer reports

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2026-09-29 18:25 UTC → 2026-09-30 22:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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