The voting process for the 2026 legislative, local and regional elections in São Tomé and Principe began at 7:00 AM local time on September 27, 2026. According to Jeudiger do Nascimento, president of the National Electoral Commission, the process has been proceeding smoothly across the archipelago. A total of 146,929 eligible voters are participating in the elections. The voting process was reported to be going well, with citizens eager to cast their ballots.
Benjamim Barros, a voter, expressed satisfaction with the voting process, stating that he had just voted and everything was proceeding smoothly. The European Union's observation mission also reported that the voting process was proceeding normally, with some minor delays in the opening of polling stations. The mission's chief observer noted that there had been no major incidents reported so far.
After casting his vote, President of the Republic Carlos Vila Nova appealed to São Tomé and Principe citizens to participate massively in the electoral process, emphasizing that it was a form of participation in the country's political life. The President's call to action was echoed by various stakeholders, who emphasized the importance of voter participation in shaping the country's future.
A total of seven political forces are competing in the legislative elections, including the MCI, Nossa Terra, Basta, PCD, MDFM, MLSTP, and ADI. The ADI, led by Américo Ramos, and the MLSTP, led by Américo Barros, are the two main contenders, with both parties expressing confidence in winning a majority of the 50 seats in the National Assembly.
The voting process is expected to conclude at 5:00 PM local time, with the first results expected to be announced in the evening. Provisional results are expected to be released on the night of September 27, 2026. The electoral commission has assured citizens that the results will be announced in a timely and transparent manner.
During the electoral campaign, the ADI and MLSTP parties expressed confidence in winning a majority of the seats in the National Assembly. The two parties have been the dominant forces in São Tomé and Principe politics for several years, with the ADI currently in power and the MLSTP being the main opposition party.
The elections in São Tomé and Principe are seen as a crucial step in the country's democratic development. The country has a history of peaceful transfers of power, and the elections are expected to consolidate the country's democratic gains. The international community has been following the electoral process closely, with several observer missions deployed across the country.
Key points
- The voting process for the 2026 legislative, local and regional elections in São Tomé and Principe has been proceeding smoothly, with 146,929 eligible voters participating.
- A total of seven political forces are competing in the legislative elections, with the ADI and MLSTP being the two main contenders.
- The first results are expected to be announced in the evening of September 27, 2026, with provisional results to be released on the night of the same day.
