MLSTP Leads São Tomé Vote as Coalition Talks Loom

São Tomé and Príncipe’s MLSTP won the largest number of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election but fell short of a majority, setting the stage for negotiations with smaller parties.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition party won the largest share of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election but failed to secure the majority needed 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, leaving the party short of the threshold and opening the way for negotiations over the formation of the next government.

Smaller party holds potential leverage

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

With neither of the two largest parties holding enough seats to govern independently, MCI-PS/PUN could become a potential kingmaker as discussions begin. Domingos Monteiro said the party was open to talks with both major political groupings.

Monteiro also said MCI-PS/PUN would support whichever side committed to improving living standards, according to the reported election information.

Government formation ahead

Under São Tomé and Príncipe’s political system, the president appoints a government following legislative elections. That government must then secure backing in parliament to govern.

Carlos Vila Nova was recently re-elected president, placing the process of appointing the next administration within a system where parliamentary support will be essential.

The MLSTP emerged from the party that ruled the archipelago before multiparty politics was introduced in 1990. Its lead in the latest vote gives it the strongest position in negotiations, but the result does not provide a clear parliamentary mandate on its own.

The incoming administration will face concerns including unemployment and emigration, as well as pressure over public services, infrastructure and access to water and electricity. The parties’ positions in the coming negotiations will determine how those challenges are addressed by the next government.