Voters in São Tomé and Príncipe will cast ballots on Sunday in a presidential election that will test the country’s reputation for peaceful, competitive voting. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, the island nation has been regarded as a model of democratic stability in Africa. The president, Carlos Vila Nova, is seeking a second term as an independent after previously representing the ruling Acção Democrática Independente (ADI) when he was elected in 2021. Political tension arose after Vila Nova dismissed the prime minister in January 2025, leading to a series of rapid changes in the prime ministerial office. Four other candidates, including ADI parliamentary leader Nito D’Abreu and former prime minister Jorge Bom Jesus, are contesting the vote. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held. The National Election Commission reports that about 142,000 people are registered to vote, roughly 15% of whom live in the diaspora. Businessman Domingos Monteiro, president of the São Toméan Football Federation since 2015, was disqualified by the constitutional court for failing to meet eligibility criteria related to citizenship. Monteiro said the court’s decision violated equal rights and perpetuated discrimination. Voters cite corruption, high inflation, youth unemployment, fuel shortages and frequent blackouts as key concerns. Rival candidates have expressed hope that these issues will prevent Vila Nova from securing a second term. The main opposition party, the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe, has joined a broad coalition supporting the incumbent president despite past disagreements. An ADI faction led by Américo Ramos backs D’Abreu. Observer missions from the European Union, the G7+ and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries are monitoring the polls. Corruption was highlighted during a presidential debate when D’Abreu said corruption posed a significant challenge the country has faced in its half‑century of independence. The election result is expected to be announced after counting begins, though a second round remains possible if no candidate reaches the required majority.