São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition party has won the largest share of seats in parliamentary elections, but will need support from smaller parties to form a government. Provisional results from the National Electoral Commission gave the Liberation Movement of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) 24 of the 55 seats in parliament. The Independent Democratic Action (ADI), the party linked to recently re-elected President Carlos Vila Nova, won about 23 seats. The remaining seats went to the MCI-PS/PUN coalition with six and the Basta movement with two.
With 28 seats required for a parliamentary majority, the MLSTP cannot govern alone. The MCI-PS/PUN is therefore positioned to play a central role in negotiations over the next government. Its leader, Domingos Monteiro, has said the party is willing to negotiate with both major parties and would support an agreement focused on improving living conditions. The election comes two months after Vila Nova won a second presidential term. Under São Tomé and Príncipe’s parliamentary system, the president appoints the government, but the administration must have sufficient support in parliament to govern.
The next government faces significant economic and social pressures, particularly unemployment and the growing departure of young people. A 2025 World Bank report estimated that nearly 40,000 São-Toméans, around 18% of the population, were living abroad. Voters have also highlighted concerns over public services, infrastructure, water and electricity supplies. The results now open a period of negotiations as the parties work to establish the coalition or parliamentary arrangement needed to form the next government.
