Presentation of the European Union Election Observation Mission São Tomé and Príncipe 2026

Press release

São Tomé, 01 July 2026 – During his first visit to São Tomé and Príncipe, Sérgio Humberto, Member of the European Parliament and Chief of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), met with the authorities and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

“The European Union deployed this Mission in response to the invitation from the Government of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the National Election Commission to observe the presidential, parliamentary, local and regional elections”, he explained during this morning’s press conference to officially launch the Mission.

This is the second time that the European Union will observe the electoral process in the country. “This reflects the European Union’s strong commitment to supporting the strengthening of democratic institutions in São Tomé and Príncipe, and to contributing to more inclusive, more transparent, more credible and peaceful elections,” said the Chief of the EU EOM.

The Mission’s mandate is to assess the electoral process, including the extent to which the elections comply with the Santomean Constitution and laws, as well as São Tomé and Príncipe’s international commitments related to democratic elections.

The MEP emphasised that: “the Electoral Observation Mission is independent of all European Union institutions, as well as the Santomean authorities and politicians and does not interfere in the electoral process in any way”.

A Core Team of seven analysts arrived in São Tomé on 14 June and a team of Long-Term Observers has been observing in the field since yesterday. Shortly before election day, they will be joined by 14 Short-Term Observers. On election days, the Mission will be reinforced by observers from EU diplomatic missions accredited to São Tomé e Príncipe. They will observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results. All EU observers are bound by a Code of Conduct that ensures their neutrality and impartiality.

The EU EOM will remain in the country until the electoral processes are complete.

During this time, the EU EOM São Tomé e Príncipe 2026 will meet with representatives of the National Election Commission, relevant national and local authorities, political parties and candidates, as well as with representatives of civil society, academia, the media, and the international community.

Two days after each election day, the Mission will present a preliminary statement outlining its initial findings and conclusions at a press conference. A final report containing all the technical details, as well as possible recommendations for improving future electoral processes, will also be presented in São Tomé.

“I hope that these elections will take place in a peaceful atmosphere, and I call on everyone involved to encourage strong public participation in the electoral process”, added Chief Observer Sérgio Humberto.

For more information, contact:

Alessandro Gori

Press officer

Tel. +239 904 8420 

E-mail: alessandro.gori@eomsaotomeeprincipe2026.eu 

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