Polling stations opened largely on time, small delays in some polling centers

Today, Sunday 25 September, the European Union Election Observation Mission observed the election day across São Tomé e Príncipe.

The 17 observed polling stations where the EU Election Observation Mission was present opened on time except five of them, which opened with less than 30 minutes of delay. Essential election material was available in 14 of the 17 visited polling stations, and polling staff was present in full” Chief Observer Maria Manuel Leitão Marques said. She presented this information during a press point at Centro Politécnico in São Tomé, after observing the voting in several polling centres in the districts of Mé-Zóchi and Àgua Grande”.

Concerning the voting, I must say that EU observers this morning spread around the island of São Tome e Príncipe to observe to date in 44 polling stations dislocated in all districts” she added. “Many polling stations have lengthy queues, indicating that people of São Tomé and Príncipe are turning out in large numbers to vote. We hope the day continues to go calmly, enabling all who want to cast their votes to do so”.

She also explained that “it is too early to make an overall assessment. The voting is still ongoing, and many more reports will be sent by our observers in the next hours”.

There are 42 EU observers deployed across São Tomé e Príncipe, both in urban and rural areas. “They will not leave the polling stations until the counting is over” the Chief Observer outlined. “They will also observe the tabulation of results at district and regional level until its completion” she stressed.

On election day and immediately after, the EU EOM observers focus on the voting, the counting, and the tabulation of results. According to EU methodology, an election is not a one-day event. It’s a process encompassing various assessments: the legal framework, the work of the election commission at central and local level, the registration of voters and candidates, the campaign, the handling of complaints and appeals.

These are the elections of the people of São Tomé and Príncipe” the Chief Observer explained, “so our mission will not interfere in any way in the process. But we want also to stress our independence from any authority. We are strictly impartial: we report on the accuracy, transparency and timely delivery of election results only, not on the political outcome of the elections”.

The preliminary statement of the EU EOM to São Tomé e Príncipe - its first public assessment - will be issued at a press conference on Tuesday 27 September at 12:00, at the Mission’s headquarter in São Tomé. A final report – including recommendation for future elections - will be presented to the public and to the authorities of São Tomé e Príncipe approximately two months after elections.