Sao Tome president rejects MLSTP government proposal
President Carlos Vila Nova has asked the second-placed ADI party to form a government after the MLSTP failed to prove parliamentary support.
President Carlos Vila Nova of Sao Tome and Principe has rejected the Movimento de Libertação de São Tomé e Príncipe's (MLSTP) proposal to form a government. Vila Nova cited insufficient evidence of parliamentary sustainability for a government led by the MLSTP, which won the most seats in the September 27 elections but without an absolute majority.
Américo Barros, the MLSTP president, contested the decision, stating his party had presented a proposal for himself as prime minister with the support of 30 deputies, including 24 from MLSTP, two from BASTA, and four others who gave conditional support. The presidency formally notified the MLSTP on November 10 to present its proposal within 24 hours, which was submitted on November 11.
Following the MLSTP's rejection, President Vila Nova has now summoned the Acção Democrática Independente (ADI), the second-largest party with 23 deputies, to present its own prime ministerial candidate and proof of parliamentary backing within 24 hours. The ADI had previously formed a parliamentary agreement with MCI-PUN, securing 29 deputies.
Why it mattersPresident Vila Nova has asked the ADI party to present a prime minister candidate and proof of parliamentary support within 24 hours.