The 2026 legislative elections in São Tomé-et-Príncipe have resulted in a substantial increase in female representation in the National Assembly. The assembly will now comprise 19 female members out of 55, up from 8 in the previous legislature. This represents a rise in the proportion of seats occupied by women from 14.5% to 34.5%. This development is a major milestone for the country's democracy and political representation.
The increase in female representation is attributed to a law on parity adopted in 2022, which requires a minimum of 40% representation of each sex on candidate lists. The law also outlines positioning rules for candidates. The 2026 elections marked the first test of this new framework in a legislative election. The results demonstrate that legal reforms can lead to concrete changes when accompanied by political will, rigorous monitoring, and collective mobilization.
National institutions played a crucial role in achieving this outcome. The Comissão de Seguimento da Lei da Paridade examined candidate lists and encouraged necessary adjustments before validation. Electoral and juridical authorities, political parties, civil society organizations, and women engaged in public life contributed to the implementation of the law. The experience highlights the importance of evaluating the first application of such a law, as challenges in compliance and implementation remain.
Women were at the forefront of this dynamic, with 72 women from seven political parties and five districts benefiting from training on political communication, negotiation, and prevention of violence against women in politics. A network of over 105 people, including parliamentarians, party actors, and journalists, advocated for parity. Exchanges with Cape Verdean parliamentarians also provided opportunities for experience sharing and mentorship.
The results are a testament to the value of international cooperation based on national priorities, listening, and complementary competencies. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported national institutions and stakeholders during the 2026 electoral cycle, including the application of the new legal framework, dialogue, awareness-raising, and capacity building. The Japanese government provided financial support for this endeavor.
The new parliamentarians, 16 of whom have no prior experience, will need to familiarize themselves with assembly procedures, commission work, and public debate. They must be able to participate fully and equally, free from intimidation and violence. To consolidate their influence, institutions and political actors must promote inclusive practices, quality dialogue, and equal participation of women and men in decision-making.
The next step is to ensure that the new female parliamentarians can effectively exercise their mandate and contribute to national priorities. The UNDP and the Japanese government are committed to supporting this process, with a focus on building competencies, promoting participation, and leadership. The experience of São Tomé-et-Príncipe serves as an example of the progress that can be achieved through concerted efforts to promote gender equality in politics.
Key points
- The 2026 legislative elections in São Tomé-et-Príncipe resulted in 19 female members out of 55 in the National Assembly.
- A 2022 law on parity requires a minimum of 40% representation of each sex on candidate lists.
- International cooperation, including support from the UNDP and the Japanese government, contributed to the increase in female representation.
