The European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to São Tomé e Príncipe to observe the presidential elections on 19 July 2026 and the legislative, local, and regional elections on 27 September 2026, following an invitation from the Santomean authorities. High Representative Kaja Kallas appointed Sérgio Humberto, a Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer. Humberto stated he is honoured to lead the mission, which will provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral processes, reaffirming EU support for the country.
The mission, announced by the EEAS on 25 June 2026, builds on a previous EU EOM deployed to São Tomé e Príncipe in 2022. A core team of seven analysts arrived in São Tomé on 14 June, supported by logistics and security experts. Long-term observers will join on 26 June to monitor the electoral process nationwide. As election day approaches, 14 short-term observers and locally recruited observers from diplomatic missions accredited to São Tomé e Príncipe will reinforce the team. A delegation from the European Parliament will join for the September elections. The EOM will remain until the completion of the entire electoral process.
The mission will publish a Preliminary Statement after election day and a final report within two months of the process's completion, including recommendations for improving the electoral framework. The deployment underscores the EU's commitment to supporting democratic processes in partner countries, with the mission assessing compliance with international and regional standards for democratic elections.