In response to the invitation by the Government 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.

The mission is led by Chief Observer Maria Manuel Leitão Marques, a Portuguese member of the European Parliament.

While not interfering in any way in the electoral process, the EU EOM will undertake a comprehensive assessment of it, in accordance with applicable international norms for democratic elections and with Santomean laws.

The Mission is composed by a Core Team of 8 election experts, who arrived in São Tomé e Príncipe at the end of August. In early September, 10 long-term observers joined the mission to be deployed across the country. Shortly before Election Day, 18 short-term observers and a delegation of Members of the European Parliament will reinforce the mission. 

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 comprehensive recommendations for future electoral processes.