In response to the invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe, the European Union has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission to observe the legislative, regional and local elections scheduled for 25 September 2022.

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for this mission.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: "This will be the first time the European Union will deploy an Election Observation Mission to São Tomé e Príncipe. The EU is a long-standing partner of São Tomé e Príncipe, a country with which we share common values and shared interests.  The deployment of this Mission is further evidence of our mutual commitment to strengthening democracy, rule of law and the respect of human rights, and another welcome step in deepening our bilateral relations”.

The Chief Observer Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques said: “I am very pleased to have been entrusted by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell with the responsibility of leading this EU EOM. The upcoming elections will provide an opportunity for the country’s leadership to focus on transparency, inclusiveness and accountability. I look forward to meeting and engaging with Santomean authorities, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders.”

Background

The EU previously deployed an Election Expert Mission for the 2018 legislative elections in São Tomé e Príncipe.

The current Mission is composed of different groups of observers. The Core Team of 8 election experts will arrive in São Tomé e Príncipe at the end of August. In early September, 10 long-term observers will join the mission to be deployed across the country. Thereafter, 18 short-term observers will reinforce the mission around election day. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.   

In line with the EU methodology on election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in São Tomé after the elections. Once the entire electoral process is concluded, the mission will publish a final report, including a set of recommendations for future electoral processes.