The European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to São Tomé and Príncipe to observe the country's presidential, parliamentary, local and regional elections, Chief Observer Sérgio Humberto announced at a press conference on 1 July 2026. Humberto, a Member of the European Parliament, said the mission was deployed at the invitation of the government and the National Election Commission, marking the second time the EU has observed elections in the country. He stressed the mission's independence from EU institutions and Santomean authorities, and its mandate to assess compliance with the constitution, laws, and international commitments for democratic elections.
The mission's Core Team of seven analysts arrived in São Tomé on 14 June, and a team of Long-Term Observers began field observations on 30 June. They will be joined by 14 Short-Term Observers shortly before election day, and observers from EU diplomatic missions accredited to the country will reinforce the mission on election days to monitor voting, counting, and tabulation. All observers are bound by a code of conduct ensuring neutrality and impartiality. The EU EOM will remain until the electoral processes are complete, meeting with election officials, authorities, political parties, civil society, media, and the international community. Two days after each election day, the mission will present a preliminary statement of findings, followed by a final report with recommendations for future electoral processes. Humberto called for a peaceful atmosphere and strong public participation.