São Tomé – Presidential election

The first round of the presidential election in São Tomé and Príncipe was held on Sunday. Here are the results from Jornal ST:

Manuel Pinto da Costa: 35,85% (independent) 
Evaristo Carvalho: 21,82% (official candidate of the ADI)
Maria das Neves: 14,03% (MLSTP-PSD)
Delfim Neves: 13,89% (official candidate of the PCD)
Elsa Pinto: 4,55% (independent)
Aurélio Martins: 4,15% (official candidate of the MLSTP-PSD)
Filinto Costa Alegre: 4,14% (independent)
Jorge Coelho: 0,64% (independent)
Helder Barros: 0,63% (independent)
Manuel de Deus Lima: 0,35% (independent)

Abstention: 48%

So, there will be a second round to be held on 7 August.

Manuel Pinto da Costa is a former president, who held office from 1975-1991 during the one-party system. However, he did manage the successful transition to democracy. He stood unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1996 and 2001. He was the leader of the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD), but is standing as an independent this time around.

Evaristo Carvalho has been prime minister for two brief periods, most recently in 2002. He represents the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party. The ADI currently holds the premiership.

Details of all 10 presidential candidates are available here.

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