With the publication of Decree 2/2026, signed by President Carlos Vila Nova, the election dates for 2026 in São Tomé and Príncipe are now official:
July 19, 2026: Election of the President of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
September 27, 2026: Parliamentary, regional, and local elections in São Tomé and Príncipe.
The election dates are intended to ensure that the President, as well as the parliaments and regional and local representatives, are democratically elected in a timely yet separate manner. Holding the parliamentary, regional, and local elections on a single day is intended to ensure efficiency and the rapid announcement of all results.
Currently, there are approximately 142,000 registered voters, of whom about 21,000 live abroad. You can choose from the following major political parties in São Tomé and Príncipe, among others:
MLSTP/PSD, led by Americo Barros. PCD, led by João Bonfim. ADI, led by Patrice Trovoada. MDFM-PL, led by Moisés Viegas. Movimento Basta, led by Levy Nazaré.
If you are a São Toméan citizen and have not yet registered to vote, please register as soon as possible with the relevant authorities, such as the Comissão Nacional de Eleições.
Sources: STP Press, Portal de Eleições, own research