A symbolic embrace marked a significant political understanding between the African Democratic Independence (ADI) party and the coalition of MCI-PS/PUN in Sao Tome and Principe. This agreement aims to guarantee governmental stability for the next four years. The ADI, holding 23 parliamentary seats, and the MCI-PS/PUN coalition, with six seats, have formed a majority of 29 out of 55 seats in the National Assembly. This development places the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP), which won 24 mandates, in opposition.
Américo Ramos, president of ADI, described the agreement as a patriotic programmatic commitment with reciprocal safeguards, entered into in good faith. The primary goal is to restore economic predictability and social peace in the country. According to Ramos, this alliance will help the nation move forward after years of instability and unfulfilled promises. The agreement is said to be focused on parliamentary support and does not involve any private interests.
Domingos Monteiro, representing the MCI-PS/PUN coalition, emphasized that their goal is to ensure political stability without compromising their oversight role. Monteiro stated that they will support the government without being passive or silent and will hold them accountable with strict requirements. He clarified that stability does not imply silence, and support does not mean giving a blank check.
The MCI-PS/PUN coalition has assured that they will not be part of the executive led by Américo Ramos. They stressed that the parliamentary agreement does not represent a blank check for the future government. The coalition also denied any connection between their political understanding and the ongoing issues involving the Rosema company.
According to Monteiro, the Rosema issue is a private matter that will be resolved in due time. He emphasized that the agreement between ADI and MCI-PS/PUN is focused on addressing the problems of the people and is not related to Rosema. Américo Ramos also reiterated that the agreement is strictly parliamentary and does not involve justice or private interests.
The agreement between ADI and MCI-PS/PUN has sparked reactions, with the MLSTP promising to respond in the coming hours. The ADI's claim of 24 mandates and their interpretation of the election results as a technical tie has been a point of contention. Américo Ramos expressed confidence in continuing as prime minister, citing improvements in energy and salaries.
The newly formed alliance is expected to bring stability to Sao Tome and Principe, which has faced years of crises and unfulfilled promises. The agreement's impact on the country's future will be closely watched. Key stakeholders, including the MLSTP, will likely continue to react to the development in the coming days.
Key points
- The ADI and MCI-PS/PUN coalition have formed a parliamentary majority, securing 29 out of 55 seats in the National Assembly.
- The agreement aims to ensure governmental stability and restore economic predictability and social peace in Sao Tome and Principe.
- The MLSTP, which won 24 mandates, has been placed in opposition and has promised to react to the development in the coming hours.
