São Tomé and Príncipe’s main opposition party has emerged as the largest force in parliament after Sunday’s legislative elections but will need support from smaller parties to form a government.
The National Electoral Commission said the Liberation Movement of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) won 24 of the 55 seats in parliament, leaving it four seats short of the 28 required for an outright majority.
The Independent Democratic Action (ADI), the party of recently re-elected President Carlos Vila Nova, came second with about 23 seats.
The Independent Citizens Movement-Socialist Party/National Unity Party (MCI-PS/PUN) won six seats, while the Basta movement secured two.
The result leaves the MLSTP, which traces its roots to the political movement that governed the archipelago before the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1990, dependent on smaller parties to reach the majority threshold.
The MCI-PS/PUN could therefore play a decisive role as negotiations begin over the formation of the next government.
Party leader Domingos Monteiro said his movement was prepared to negotiate with both major parties and would support whichever side committed to improving living standards.
Under São Tomé and Príncipe’s political system, the president appoints a government following legislative elections, but the administration must secure the backing of parliament to govern.
The incoming government is expected to face significant economic and social challenges, including unemployment and emigration, as well as concerns over public services, infrastructure and access to water and electricity.
