CPLP Deploys Election Observers to São Tomé and Príncipe
LISBON – The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is finalizing plans to deploy an electoral observation mission to São Tomé and Príncipe for the upcoming presidential elections on July 19. The mission will be led by João Bernardo Miranda, the former Foreign Minister of Angola, CPLP Executive Secretary Maria de Fátima Jardim announced on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of a reception for Cape Verdean Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho, Jardim confirmed that the observers will undergo a two-day briefing at the organization’s Lisbon headquarters before arriving in São Tomé between July 14 and 15.
A Veteran at the Helm
Jardim highlighted the selection of João Bernardo Miranda, noting his extensive experience in international observation and his high-level diplomatic background. By deploying such missions, Jardim stated, the CPLP is “consolidating an extremely important aspect” of its mandate: safeguarding democratic integrity across its member states.
“We wish the people of São Tomé and Príncipe a democratic exercise carried out with pride, discipline, and honor,” Jardim added, referencing the successful legislative elections in Cape Verde as a model for the region.
The Race for the Presidency
The São Toméan Constitutional Court has approved four active candidates to contest the July 19 vote:
- Carlos Manuel Vila Nova: The incumbent president seeking re-election.
- Eugénio Rodrigues da Trindade Tiny
- Nito de Sousa Viegas D’Abreu
- Miques João do Nascimento de Jesus Bonfim
A fifth candidate, Jorge Bom Jesus, announced his withdrawal from the race, though the announcement came after the legal deadline had passed. According to the National Electoral Commission (CEN), 142,191 voters are registered for the poll, including over 20,000 citizens living in the diaspora across Europe and Africa.
CPLP at 30: Challenges in Guinea-Bissau
The mission comes as the CPLP prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary on July 17. However, the milestone is marked by political instability in one of its member states: Guinea-Bissau. The country was suspended from the CPLP, the African Union, and ECOWAS following a November 2025 military coup that interrupted general elections.
Addressing the situation, Jardim confirmed that Guinea-Bissau’s ambassador in Lisbon, Artur Silva, remains a part of the organization’s diplomatic circle and is invited to the anniversary celebrations. “Ambassador Artur Silva has been with us. He is with us, and we are with him,” she said, emphasizing that while bilateral relations continue, the organization is focused on restoring multilateral credibility.
The political crisis in Bissau remains tense. Opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira, who was arrested during the 2025 coup, remains under house arrest while under investigation by a military court. The opposition has characterized the military takeover as a “staged event” by former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to retain power.
The CPLP represents nine Portuguese-speaking nations: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.
Image: Pexels – Fatima Yusuf
