São Tomé opposition leads parliamentary vote but needs partners to govern

São Tomé and Príncipe’s MLSTP won the largest number of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election but fell short of the 28 seats needed for a majority.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition party won the largest share of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election but did not secure enough support to govern alone, according to the national electoral commission.

The Liberation Movement of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) took 24 of the 55 seats in parliament. A majority requires 28 seats, meaning the party will need backing from smaller political groups to form an administration.

Smaller parties hold the balance

The Independent Democratic Action finished second with around 23 seats. The Independent Citizens Movement-Socialist Party/National Unity Party, known as MCI-PS/PUN, won six seats, while the Basta movement secured two.

With neither of the two leading parties reaching the majority threshold, MCI-PS/PUN could play a decisive role in negotiations over the next government. Talks were beginning as parties assessed possible governing arrangements.

Domingos Monteiro of MCI-PS/PUN said he was open to discussions with both major parties. He said his party would support whichever side made a commitment to improving living standards.

Government formation ahead

Under São Tomé and Príncipe’s political system, the president appoints a government following legislative elections. The administration must still win parliament’s backing in order to govern.

President Carlos Vila Nova was recently re-elected. The result of the parliamentary vote now leaves the formation of the next administration dependent on agreements between parties.

The MLSTP emerged from the party that governed the archipelago before multiparty politics was introduced in 1990. Its latest result gives it the strongest position in the new parliament, but not an outright mandate.

Pressure on the incoming administration

Whoever leads the next government will face unemployment and emigration, as well as concerns about public services and infrastructure. Access to water and electricity is also among the challenges identified for the incoming administration.

The negotiations will determine whether the MLSTP can assemble the support required to govern or whether another parliamentary arrangement will emerge from the closely divided result.