Voters in São Tomé and Príncipe cast ballots in a general election on Sunday while pressing political leaders to address unemployment, economic hardship and everyday living conditions.
Many voters said they want the next government to turn campaign commitments into measurable improvements, particularly for people struggling to find work and maintain their livelihoods on the islands.
Calls for action
Maria Nascimento, a market vendor, said she hoped future leaders would give greater attention to people working at the grassroots.
“I hope that in the coming years they will think more about people like us, people at the grassroots, like us market vendors,” Nascimento said.
Aidolander Francisco, a block manufacturer, also called on the incoming administration to examine the country’s problems and seek ways to help.
“I hope that when they are in office, they will pay attention to what is wrong, so that they can see whether they can help the country,” Francisco said.
The election result and the identity of the party or individual expected to form the next government were not identified in the supplied information.
Young people looking abroad
The election is taking place as São Tomé and Príncipe faces what has been described as a growing exodus of young people. Emigration has risen sharply in recent years, increasing pressure on the next government to create opportunities at home.
Carla Vaz, a student, said voters would judge whoever forms the government by whether campaign promises are fulfilled and conditions improve.
“My expectation is that whoever manages to form the government will fulfil the promises made during the elections and improve the situation in the country,” Vaz said.
A 2025 World Bank report cited in the source estimates that nearly 40,000 people from São Tomé and Príncipe live abroad, representing about 18% of the population. The estimate was presented as part of the wider discussion about emigration and the country’s loss of young people.
The next government therefore faces the challenge of creating enough jobs and opportunities to persuade more young people that they can build their futures on the islands. Voters’ demands centre on employment, improved living conditions and visible action on the concerns raised during the election period.
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