In a decisive election, Carlos Vila Nova has secured a second term as president of Sao Tome and Principe.
Preliminary results show Vila Nova received 55.94% of the vote, defeating his main rival Nito D’Abreu, who garnered 41.42%. This election marks a significant moment for Vila Nova, who ran as an independent after parting ways with the ruling party that initially supported his presidency.
Carlos Vila Nova Wins Presidential Election
Carlos Vila Nova’s victory in the recent presidential election is notable as he ran independently after a split from the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party. This break followed his dismissal of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada in January 2025, which he justified by citing the government’s failure to tackle pressing economic issues. Despite the political turmoil, Vila Nova’s win avoids a runoff election.
The National Election Commission (CEN) reported that Vila Nova’s main opponent, Nito D’Abreu, received 41.42% of the votes, while the other candidates, Eugenio Tiny and Miques Joao Bonfim, received 1.07% and 1.58%, respectively. The election was the eighth presidential contest since the country adopted multiparty democracy in 1991.
Sao Tome and Principe: Key figures on Election Results
- 55.94% – Carlos Vila Nova’s vote percentage
- 41.42% – Nito D’Abreu’s vote percentage
- 1.07% – Eugenio Tiny’s vote percentage
- 1.58% – Miques Joao Bonfim’s vote percentage
- 142,191 – Registered voters
- 20,521 – Registered voters abroad
Context of the Election and Challenges Faced
The election took place amid various challenges, including reported low voter turnout and disruptions in some southern communities where voting was canceled due to barricades. The CEN also faced an attempted cyberattack and disinformation campaigns related to the election. Despite these issues, the voting process was generally peaceful, with international observers noting the absence of major incidents.
Corruption, inflation, unemployment, and fuel shortages were significant topics during the campaign, reflecting the pressing concerns of the electorate. The presence of international observers from the European Union and the African Union underscored the importance of this electoral process for the nation.
Next Steps for Vila Nova’s Administration
- Addressing the economic and financial challenges facing the country
- Forming a new cabinet following the dismissal of Prime Minister Trovoada
- Continuing to engage with international observers and partners
Carlos Vila Nova’s victory signals a pivotal moment for Sao Tome and Principe’s political landscape.
