Sao Tome and Principe: Presidential run-off election further postponed to Sept. 5 /update 3

Event

The presidential run-off election initially scheduled Aug. 8 and postponed to Aug. 29 has been further delayed to Sept. 5, after parliament passed an exceptional law Aug. 17. The decision follows an objection to the first-round result, which delayed the second round of the vote.

The Sept. 5 run-off is being contested by two candidates, Carlos Vila Nova of the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) and Guilherme Posser da Costa of the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD). No candidate obtained the requisite 50-percent plus one required to win the first round.

Electoral rallies and demonstrations are likely ahead of and around the election. Security forces will likely deploy to monitor related events and safeguard election-related sites. Election gatherings are likely to be smaller than in previous years due to COVID-19 and related restrictions. Clashes at gatherings or protests or confrontations between rival political party supporters are possible, particularly immediately before the poll and after, once results are released. Localized disruptions are likely near any gathering.

Context

The first round was held without major incident, July 18, though third-placed candidate, Delfim Neves, alleged fraud during the ballot and demanded a recount. Vila Nova and his supporters have also questioned the results, suggesting that his actual support was higher than the official National Electoral Commission (NEC) result of above 39 percent. The disputes raise tensions somewhat and increases the possibility of protests, either by Neves' supporters ahead of the second round or by supporters of Vila Nova after the poll if he does not win.

Advice

Avoid election-related events and exercise caution near polling stations and counting centers. If violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-governmental building. Always carry valid travel documents; maintain a non-confrontational stance if stopped by officials for checks. Heed all official security advisories.