On election day, 27 September, the EU EOM will have around 50 observers on the ground
Press release
On election day, 27 September, the EU EOM will have around 50 observers on the ground
São Tomé, 22 September 2026 – The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in São Tomé and Príncipe has today deployed 16 short-term observers across the country, strengthening the Mission’s ability to observe the parliamentary, local and regional elections on 27 September.
This group is the Mission’s third contingent, following a core team of seven electoral analysts who returned to São Tomé on 4 September, and six long-term observers, who have been working on the ground since 11 September.
“With everyone’s efforts, our Mission will be able to carry out a rigorous, objective and comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the electoral process, based on long-term observation”, said Margarida Alves, Deputy Chief of the EU EOM, during the event.
Prior to their deployment, the short-term observers received detailed training in São Tomé on the legal framework, the electoral context, voting preparations and procedures, the political environment, and the media and social media landscape.
Over the coming days, a delegation from the European Parliament will join the Mission, as will a group of observers comprising diplomats from EU Member States accredited to São Tomé and Príncipe. On polling day, the EU EOM will have around 50 people on the ground.
“In all districts and on Príncipe Island, our observers will monitor the final stages of the election campaign and, on polling day, they will observe the opening and closing of polling stations and the voting process. They will also be present during the counting of votes and the tabulation process, also at district level”, said the Deputy Chief of Mission. “Thanks to our observers, we will be able to gather information for our Preliminary Statement, which, as set out in our methodology, will be presented on Tuesday, 29 September, at midday”, she added.
The EU EOM’s overall analysis will cover various aspects, including the legal framework and how it is applied, the work of the election administration, the campaign activities of candidates and political parties, whether there is a level playing field, the conduct of the media and the resolution of election-related disputes.
The Mission will remain in the country until the electoral process is complete.
Approximately two months after the elections, the EU EOM will publish a comprehensive final report including recommendations for improving future electoral processes and present it to the national authorities, political parties and the media in São Tomé.
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You can download this press release in English in PDF:
And in Portuguese:
For more information, contact:
Alessandro Gori
Press officer
Tel. +239 904 8420
E-mail: alessandro.gori@eomsaotomeeprincipe2026.eu