The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in São Tomé and Príncipe presented a preliminary assessment on 21 July 2026 of the 19 July presidential elections, noting a peaceful and well-conducted election day but a historically low voter turnout of nearly 59 percent. Chief Observer Sérgio Humberto stated that the elections were efficiently organised by the National Election Commission, with voting procedures largely respected and integrity measures applied, but the abstention rate highlighted the need for broader citizen participation and greater inclusivity.
The EU EOM deployed 30 observers from 15 EU member states and Canada, who visited 104 polling stations covering 60 percent of the country's circumscriptions. The mission has been present in São Tomé and Príncipe since 14 June and will remain to observe the remainder of the electoral process, returning in September for parliamentary, local and regional elections. A comprehensive final report with recommendations will be issued within two months after the conclusion of the electoral processes.
The preliminary statement noted that the election took place in an unprecedented context where the two leading candidates were associated with competing factions of the ruling party, Ação Democrática Independente (ADI). The unresolved leadership dispute within ADI affected electoral competition and the broader political environment, alongside the decision by other main political parties not to field their own candidates. The campaign was peaceful and festive, with fundamental freedoms respected and candidates able to canvass freely, with no incidents reported.
Public and private media provided adequate coverage of campaign activities despite limited resources, with public broadcasters offering balanced coverage and private media reporting in a generally neutral tone. However, rumours and misleading information circulated mainly through unverified social media accounts, contributing to an uncertain online environment that also saw personal accusations and verbal attacks between the two ADI factions.
The EU EOM's preliminary assessment impacts several stakeholders. For São Tomé and Príncipe's citizens, the low turnout signals disengagement from the electoral process, potentially weakening democratic legitimacy. The National Election Commission faces pressure to improve voter participation and address misinformation. The ruling ADI party's internal divisions risk further polarisation, while opposition parties' decision not to field candidates may have reduced voter choice. The EU EOM's recommendations, expected in the final report, could guide electoral reforms to enhance inclusivity and trust in the democratic process.