2016 São Toméan presidential election explained

Election Name:2016 São Toméan presidential election
Country:São Tomé and Príncipe
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2011 São Toméan presidential election
Previous Year:2011
Next Election:2021 São Toméan presidential election
Next Year:2021
Election Date:17 July 2016 (first round)
7 August 2016 (second round)
Registered:111,222
Turnout:64.31% (first round)
46.06% (second round)
Nominee1:Evaristo Carvalho
Party1:Independent Democratic Action
Popular Vote1:41,820
Percentage1:100%
Party2:Independent politician
Popular Vote2:Boycotted
Percentage2:
Map Size:180px
President
Before Election:Manuel Pinto da Costa
Before Party:Independent (politician)
After Election:Evaristo Carvalho
After Party:ADI

Presidential elections were held in São Tomé and Príncipe on 17 July 2016.[1] Initial results suggested Evaristo Carvalho of Independent Democratic Action had been elected in the first round of voting, defeating incumbent President Manuel Pinto da Costa;[2] however, the results was subsequently annulled, necessitating a second round between Carvalho and Pinto da Costa,[3] which was held on 7 August.[4] However, Pinto da Costa boycotted the second round after claiming the first round had been fraudulent,[5] meaning Carvalho was elected unopposed.[6]

Electoral system

The President of São Tomé and Príncipe is elected using the two-round system.[7] If no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, a run-off between the top two candidates.

Candidates

There were five candidates, including incumbent President Manuel Pinto da Costa,[8] two former prime ministers, Evaristo Carvalho from Independent Democratic Action and Maria das Neves from the MLSTP/PSD, as well as two independents.

Carvalho stood as the candidate of the ruling ADI, the party of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Carvalho was initially declared the winner in the first round with slightly more than 50% of the vote, but Carvalho's score was subsequently adjusted downward to 49.88%, necessitating a second round against President Pinto da Costa. However, Pinto da Costa refused to participate in the second round, alleging fraud and calling for a boycott.[9]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.ndi.org/electionscalendar Global elections calendar
  2. http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/cm_ao_minuto/detalhe/sao_tomeeleicoes_evaristo_carvalho_eleito_presidente_a_primeira_volta.html São Tomé/Eleições: Evaristo Carvalho eleito Presidente à primeira volta
  3. http://www.africanews.com/2016/07/22/sao-tome-presidential-election-results-canceled-for-a-second-round/ Sao Tome presidential election results canceled for a second round
  4. http://townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2016/07/24/sao-tome-election-goes-to-second-round-after-court-ruling-n2197202 Sao Tome election goes to second round after court ruling
  5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-37006464 Sao Tome and Principe president boycotts own run-off vote
  6. http://cen.st/index.php/publicacoes/noticias/item/212-resultados-geral-das-eleicoes-presidenciais-2016 Resultado Geral Provisórios das Eleições Presidenciais 2016 2ª Volta
  7. http://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/2196/ Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
  8. http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2016/07/15/des-elections-pour-l-archipel-africain-sao-tome-et-principe_4970305_3212.html Des élections pour l’archipel africain Sao Tomé et Principe
  9. https://www.yahoo.com/news/sao-tome-votes-runoff-boycotted-president-032621810.html?nhp=1 Sao Tome votes in runoff boycotted by president