DÍLI, 21 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The Incumbent President of Sao Tome and Principe, Carlos Vila Nova has won a second five-year term, according to preliminary results from the presidential election announced by the National Electoral Commission on Monday.
The Incumbent President secured re-election on Sunday with 31,596 votes (55.94%), ahead of challenger Nito d’Abreu, who won 23,394 votes (41.43%). The remaining candidates, Miques João Bonfim and Eugénio Tiny, received 892 votes (1.58%) and 603 votes (1.07%), respectively.
According to the election commission, 142,191 voters were registered for the election. A total of 58,764 voters cast their ballots, representing a turnout of 54.62%, while 83,427 registered voters did not vote.
The commission reported 56,485 valid votes, 1,951 invalid ballots, and 328 blank ballots. An additional 4,135 voters participated from the diaspora.
Reacting to the provisional results, Vila Nova said the voters’ support strengthened his commitment to “continue serving the country with honesty, independence, balance and respect for the Constitution.”
He also pledged to “extend a hand to all political forces, churches, young people, women, workers, entrepreneurs, the diaspora and civil society,” adding that “everyone will have a place in building a fairer, more prosperous and more united São Tomé and Príncipe.”
Nito d’Abreu thanked supporters for their backing throughout the campaign.
“We thank and acknowledge everyone who supported our candidacy, recognising their dedication and active participation throughout the campaign and electoral process,” he said.
D’Abreu acknowledged some isolated incidents but said the election process was conducted in a festive environment, with citizens actively participating throughout the campaign.
The provisional results will now undergo verification by the relevant electoral authorities before being submitted to São Tomé and Príncipe’s Constitutional Court, which is responsible for certifying and officially declaring the final results in accordance with the country’s electoral law.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
