Votes cast today in São Tomé and Príncipe will determine whether President Carlos Vila Nova secures a second term in office. Against the backdrop of a tense political climate and an ongoing constitutional crisis, this election is crucial for the small West African nation's future stability and democratic credibility.
The incumbent president, who won his first term in 2021 as leader of the Acção Democrática Independente (ADI) party, has chosen to stand as an independent candidate after parting ways with ADI. This decision came following a bitter split from the ruling party in January 2025, when he dismissed Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Américo Ramos now holds the post of prime minister.
Vila Nova faces four challengers, including Nito D’Abreu, the leader of ADI's parliamentary faction. Notably, former Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus remains on the ballot despite an initial attempt to withdraw his independent candidacy after missing a deadline. The Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe – historically an opposition party – has joined forces with other groups in support of President Vila Nova, while a faction within ADI is backing D’Abreu.
The election will be contested by around 142,000 voters, including approximately 15% residing abroad. Key domestic issues driving the campaign include widespread government corruption, high inflation rates, severe youth unemployment, chronic fuel shortages, and frequent power blackouts – concerns that rivals of Vila Nova hope to capitalise on in their bid for office.
The constitutional court's recent disqualification of prominent businessman Domingos Monteiro due to his parents' naturalisation status underscores the complexities of São Tomé and Príncipe's electoral landscape.
The nation holds significant strategic importance as a trusted partner in security and maritime trade within the Gulf of Guinea, an area plagued by piracy. With oil reserves off its coast contributing substantially to its economy, observer missions from the European Union, G7+, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries are monitoring the electoral process.