Vila Nova Sworn In For Second Term As São Tomé President

Carlos Manuel Vila Nova has been sworn in for a second five-year term as president of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Vila Nova took the oath of office on Thursday during an inauguration ceremony at the country’s National Assembly, attended by several African and international leaders.

Among those present were the presidents of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the prime ministers of Portugal and Mozambique.

Vila Nova, who first assumed office in 2021 with the backing of the centre-right Independent Democratic Action party, secured re-election in the first round of the July presidential election.

He won more than 55% of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Nito Abreu, who was supported by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.

The election recorded a historically low turnout, with abstention reaching 59%.

Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, executive powers in São Tomé and Príncipe are mainly exercised by the prime minister.

The country is due to hold legislative elections on September 27, which will determine its next head of government.