Elections in São Tomé and Príncipe

John Merolla

Reporter, Life News Today

The recent presidential elections in São Tomé and Príncipe made it clear that Carlos Vila Nova secured the presidency and will continue to lead the small island state in the Gulf of Guinea. The outcome confirmed the support of a majority of the electorate for a project that promises institutional continuity in one of the most democratically stable countries in Africa. With the outcome already defined, interest shifts to the challenges facing the new government and to the future of a nation that rarely makes major international headlines, but whose history and reality offer much more than meets the eye.

There is an everyday detail that helps to understand the spirit of São Tomé and Príncipe better than any political speech. In many areas of the archipelago, the day begins with the sound of the sea and ends with neighbors gathered in the squares or in front of their homes talking. The feeling that time passes more slowly is part of the local identity. This tranquility is not only due to the small population, which barely exceeds two hundred thousand people, but also to a culture where the community continues to be the center of social life. It is worth dwelling on that image because it explains a lot of the character of the country. Families maintain close ties, markets function as true meeting points and nature is present in every aspect of the routine. Between volcanic beaches, tropical jungles and roads surrounded by vegetation, the inhabitants live with a privileged environment that conditions both the economy and the way they relate to each other. The truth is that this closeness between people is also reflected in politics: leaders, officials and citizens share a reality much closer than in other African states. Beyond ideological differences, there is a strong appreciation for stability and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. That combination of calm, resilience and a sense of belonging make the archipelago unique within the region.

The Santo Tomé way of life is the result of centuries of exchange between African traditions and Portuguese heritage. Portuguese continues to be the official language, although it coexists with local Creoles that are part of the cultural heritage. Music, gastronomy and popular celebrations reflect this mixture of influences. Fresh fish, tropical fruits, and cocoa frequently appear at the dinner table, while community festivities retain a strong traditional component. The country's identity is deeply linked to its insular status. The great engine of the economy continues to be cocoa, a crop that transformed the islands during colonial times. The old "roças", huge plantations promoted by the Portuguese administration, came to make São Tomé and Príncipe one of the world's leading producers. Over the years, that leadership has diminished, but cocoa continues to be an essential source of employment and income for thousands of families and one of the most valued products for its quality. Along with agriculture, artisanal fishing plays a fundamental role in food and local economic activity. At the same time, ecotourism is gaining ground thanks to the extraordinary biodiversity of the archipelago, its underexploited beaches and the possibility of offering an experience different from that of other African destinations. However, the country still faces significant structural challenges. It is heavily dependent on imports, needs to improve its infrastructure, and continues to receive financial support from international organizations. There are also expectations about the oil potential of the Gulf of Guinea, although these projects have not yet decisively changed the national economy. Economic development continues to be the main concern of a society that seeks to grow without losing the balance between progress and environmental conservation.

The electoral result also requires looking at the country's political trajectory. São Tomé and Príncipe gained its independence from Portugal in 1975 and during its early years was governed by a one-party system headed by the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe. The democratic opening came at the beginning of the 1990s with the establishment of the multiparty system, initiating a process that turned the archipelago into one of the most stable democracies on the continent. Since then there have been alternations in power, coalitions, parliamentary tensions and changes of government, but without breaking the constitutional order. That stability was slowly built through competitive elections, relatively solid institutions, and a citizenry accustomed to resolving disputes at the ballot box. In this context, the election that confirmed Carlos Vila Nova in the presidency took place. The campaign was marked by debates on economic growth, employment, strengthening the health system, education, the fight against corruption and attracting investment. Vila Nova defended institutional continuity and the need to move forward with gradual reforms to consolidate the economy, while his main rivals proposed accelerating social changes and expanding the scope of public policies. Finally, a majority of voters chose to support continuity, convinced that a foreseeable political scenario can favor the arrival of investments and strengthen the country's international position. The re-election also sends a signal of confidence towards external partners, especially Portugal, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and other actors with interests in the Gulf of Guinea.

The challenge, however, is just beginning. The new government will have to generate opportunities for young people, diversify the economy, strengthen public services and responsibly use natural resources without compromising the stability that characterizes the country. Beyond the numbers and the electoral results, São Tomé and Príncipe once again demonstrates that even the smallest States can offer a valuable lesson in democratic coexistence, institutional continuity and consensus-building in an increasingly complex international context.