The president of the Movement of Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP), Américo Barros, has reacted to President Carlos Vila Nova's decision to move forward with the second most voted party in the September 27 legislative elections. Barros contested the decision, expressing concern over the process of forming a new government and appealing for the President's impartiality. He emphasized that the MLSTP's electoral victory grants them the legitimacy to lead the next government.
Barros recalled that the MLSTP and President Vila Nova have previously defended the principle that the winning party should govern. He questioned the application of this principle in light of the September 27 election results. The MLSTP was formally notified by the Presidency on November 10 to present a proposal for a prime minister within 24 hours, along with elements demonstrating parliamentary sustainability. Barros stated that the party submitted its proposal, naming himself as the prime minister, with 24 mandates and support from two BASTA deputies and four other parliamentarians.
According to Barros, the MLSTP's proposal was accompanied by elements demonstrating sufficient parliamentary support, totaling 30 deputies. However, the Presidency rejected the proposal, citing insufficient elements to demonstrate parliamentary sustainability. The President then informed the MLSTP that he would contact the ADI, the second most voted party, to present a proposal for a prime minister. Barros expressed concern over the President's decision and appealed for coherence and impartiality.
Barros revealed that he was contacted by several emissaries after the elections, who stated that any agreement involving the MCI-PS/PUN would be vetoed. He claimed that President Vila Nova also confirmed this information. Barros now demands that the President maintain his stance if the ADI presents a government solution that includes support from the MCI-PS/PUN.
During the conference, Barros recalled that the MLSTP supported the ADI and MCI-PS/PUN's candidatures for the National Assembly, citing respect for the electorate's vote and the need for institutional balance. Despite contesting the President's decision, Barros reiterated the MLSTP's availability to lead the next government through a broad base of support, involving other political forces, civil society, and the diaspora.
The dispute over government formation has entered a new phase, with the ADI now taking the lead. The challenge shifts from claiming electoral victory to demonstrating parliamentary majority capable of sustaining governance. Barros' demand for coherence from President Vila Nova is expected to maintain political tension around the President's decisions.
The MLSTP's contestation of the President's decision has raised concerns about the application of democratic principles in Sao Tome and Principe. The party's legitimacy and parliamentary support have been questioned, and the President's impartiality has been called into question. The situation remains uncertain, with the ADI now preparing to present its proposal for government formation.
Key points
- The MLSTP contests President Carlos Vila Nova's decision to reject their proposal for government formation, citing legitimacy and parliamentary support.
- The party's proposal was accompanied by elements demonstrating sufficient parliamentary support, totaling 30 deputies.
- The dispute over government formation has entered a new phase, with the ADI now taking the lead and the challenge shifting to demonstrating parliamentary majority.
