SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE, 17 July 2026 (TATOLI) – Minister of Economy and Finance of São Tomé and Príncipe, Gareth Guadalupe, praised the g7+ for supporting the country’s electoral process, saying the presence of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) demonstrates solidarity and commitment to democracy.
Guadalupe made the remarks during a meeting with the g7+ mission, which is conducting election observation activities in São Tomé and Príncipe ahead of the July 19 presidential vote.
“The g7+ is a very close and important partner of São Tomé and Príncipe. The fact that they decided to come to São Tomé is a demonstration of the organization’s goodwill,” Guadalupe said.
The minister said the country is facing significant economic challenges due to rising international prices and its dependence on imports, which have increased pressure on public resources.
Despite the difficulties, Guadalupe said the government had secured financing for the presidential election through domestic revenues and counterpart funding from Japanese support.
“We are living through very difficult times. The increase in prices is diverting resources that should be allocated to salaries, medicines and other essential services. However, until now, we have managed to finance the elections,” he said.
Guadalupe said the country will face another electoral challenge in the coming months with legislative elections, stressing that elections remain an essential component of democracy.
“Democracy is not cheap, and elections are part of democracy,” he said.
Floyd Oxley Sayor, head of the g7+ Election Observation Mission, thanked the minister for his cooperation and recognized the role of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in supporting the financial preparations for the election.
Sayor said the mission has held meetings with key national stakeholders, including President Carlos Vila Nova, Prime Minister Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos, civil society representatives, police authorities and political parties, to assess the political environment before the vote.
“Our objective is to support the democratic process and ensure that the international community sees that the process is credible, peaceful and fair,” Sayor said.
The g7+ operational director, Felix Piedade, thanked the São Tomé and Príncipe government for its support to the mission, highlighting the coordination efforts of the organization in arranging meetings and providing logistical assistance.
Piedade also briefed officials on developments from the sixth g7+ meeting held in Lisbon in April 2025, where vice-presidents representing Liberia and Congo were elected.
He said the organization is preparing a proposal for annual contributions from member states, estimated at about US$15,000 per year for each member.
Piedade added that preparations are also underway for the next g7+ meeting, which is expected to take place in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The g7+ mission, led by Sayor, continues consultations with government officials, presidential candidates and other stakeholders as part of its observation activities for São Tomé and Príncipe’s presidential election.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
