São Tomé and Príncipe heads to polls in tense presidential election
São Tomé and Príncipe is holding a presidential election amid a tense political climate and a constitutional crisis. Incumbent Carlos Vila Nova is running as an independent against several challengers, including members of his former party.
Why it matters
The election is a critical test for the democratic stability of a small African nation currently navigating internal political fragmentation.
Vila Nova represented the Acção Democrática Independente party when he was elected as president five years ago. Vila Nova represented the Acção Democrática Independente party when he was elected as president five years ago. Sao Tome and Principe São Tomé and Príncipe heads to polls in tense presidential election Incumbent Carlos Vila Nova hopes to defeat his former party and secure second term as independent
Prefer the Guardian on Google Voters in São Tomé and Príncipe go to the polls for a presidential election on Sunday as one of Africa’s least populous countries seeks to burnish its democratic credentials.
According to the National Election Commission, about 142,000 people are registered to vote in the tiny African state’s elections, approximately 15% of whom live in the diaspora.
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