São Tomé and Príncipe Holds Presidential Election Amid Political Crisis

Voters in São Tomé and Príncipe cast ballots on July 19 and 20, 2026, for a presidential election involving approximately 142,000 registered voters. Carlos Vila Nova, the incumbent president, is seeking a second term as an independent candidate. He faces a challenge from Nito Viegas D'Abreu, the parliamentary leader of the Acção Democrática Independente (ADI), who is supported by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.

The election follows a political fallout between Vila Nova and the ADI after the president dismissed Trovoada in January 2025, a move later ruled unconstitutional. While Vila Nova is supported by a coalition including the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe, D'Abreu focused his campaign on government corruption. The race was further complicated by the disqualification of businessman Domingos Monteiro, whom the constitutional court barred from running due to his parents' citizenship.

Jeudiger Nascimento, chief of the National Electoral Commission, expressed concern over low voter turnout as the country grapples with high inflation, fuel shortages, and frequent blackouts. Vote-counting is underway, and a second-round run-off is scheduled for August 9 if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote. Observer missions from the European Union, G7+, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries are monitoring the process.