President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe has been sworn in for a second five-year term, following his victory in the country’s presidential election in July.
Vila Nova took the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony held at the National Assembly, attended by several African and foreign leaders, including the presidents of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the prime ministers of Portugal and Mozambique.
Vila Nova, who first assumed office in 2021 with the backing of the centre-right Independent Democratic Action party, secured re-election in the first round of the July presidential poll.
He won more than 55 per cent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Nito Abreu, a member of parliament who was supported by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.
However, voter turnout was notably low, with abstention reaching 59 per cent, one of the highest levels recorded in the country’s electoral history.
The presidency in São Tomé and Príncipe is largely ceremonial, with executive authority primarily vested in the prime minister and government.
Attention will now shift to the country’s legislative elections scheduled for September 27, which will determine the political composition of parliament and pave the way for the formation of the next government.
