The EU EOM to São Tomé and Príncipe deployed today 14 short-term observers throughout the country

Press release

São Tomé, 15 July 2026 - The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to São Tomé and Príncipe deployed today 14 short-term observers throughout the country. The group is the third mission's contingent, following a core team of seven electoral experts that arrived in São Tomé on 14 June, and two long-term observers, who have been observing in the field since 30 June.

"Thanks to everyone's efforts, our Mission will be able to carry out a rigorous, objective and comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the electoral process based on long-term observation", said Chief Observer Sérgio Humberto, member of the European Parliament, during the event.

Prior to their deployment, the short-term observers received a thorough two-day briefing in São Tomé on the legal framework, electoral background, voting preparations and procedures, the political environment and the media social media landscape.

The short-term observers will be joined by a group of observers drawn from diplomats of the EU Member States accredited to São Tomé and Príncipe. In total, on election day, the EU EOM will comprise a total of 30 observers from the EU countries, as well as Canada.

"On Sunday 19 July, they will observe the opening and closing of polling stations and the voting process. They will also be present during the counting of votes and tabulation process until its conclusion. The mission will cover all districts of São Tomé and the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, monitoring the first few days of district-level tabulation. We look forward to receiving their on-the-ground observations, which will be vital in enabling us to make an informed and factual assessment of election day", added the Chief Observer.

The EU EOM's overall analysis will also include aspects such as the legal framework and its application, the work of the election administration, the campaign activities of candidates and political parties, the extent to which there is a level playing field, the conduct of the media and the resolution of election-related disputes.

The mission will issue a preliminary statement outlining its initial findings and conclusions at a press conference on 21 July, two days after the elections. The EU EOM will then remain in the country until the electoral processes are complete.

A comprehensive final report, containing recommendations for improving future electoral processes, will be published about two months after the elections and will be presented by the EU EOM to national authorities, political parties and media in São Tomé.

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For more information, contact:

Alessandro Gori

Press officer

Tel. +239 904 8420

E-mail: [email protected]

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