São Tomé and Príncipe’s opposition Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe–Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD) won the largest number of seats in the country’s September 27 legislative election.
According to results announced by the National Electoral Commission, the MLSTP-PSD secured 24 of the 55 seats in the National Assembly, while the ruling Independent Democratic Action (ADI) won 23. The MCI-PS/PUN coalition took six seats and the Basta party won two.
With 28 seats required for a majority, neither of the two largest parties can form a government alone. The MCI-PS/PUN coalition has already congratulated the MLSTP-PSD and indicated that it is open to discussions on a possible governing partnership. The MLSTP-PSD emerged as the largest parliamentary force but would need support from smaller parties to secure control of the government.
The election followed months of political tensions within ADI, including a dispute between President Carlos Vila Nova and former party leader Patrice Trovoada. The conflict contributed to an institutional impasse that disrupted legislative work and government decision-making.
Before the vote, Vila Nova urged citizens to participate despite widespread frustration over the country’s economic and social challenges. He appealed after Trovoada called for a boycott following a Constitutional Court ruling that recognized Prime Minister Américo Ramos as ADI’s legitimate leader. Coalition negotiations are now expected to determine the composition of the next government.
