Sao Tome and Principe —
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Sao Tome and Principe

Boundary Delimitation

BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
e. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:12:26 GMT

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:13:04 GMT

BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:13:30 GMT

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
g. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:14:10 GMT

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Commission Electorale Nationale
b. Full Address Avenida Amilcar Cabral - C.P. 92
c. Telephone (239-12) 22.298 / 21.382
e. Email inss(a)cstome.net
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President M.F DA SILVA MAQUENGO DE FREITAS. Président de la Commission Electorale Nationale

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:47:31 GMT

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:51:56 GMT

EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
c. The legislature

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:52:48 GMT

EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:53:22 GMT

EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
d. A national government department

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:54:17 GMT

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
a. For the election period only

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:55:28 GMT

EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
b. Legislative appointment

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:10:04 GMT

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 2000000

Comments: 2 000 000 USD
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:51:21 UTC

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?

Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:51:21 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?

Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:51:21 UTC

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:51:21 UTC

Electoral Systems

ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)

Comments: Absolute majority is required in the first round; if no candidate achieves the required majority, a run-off election is held between the two top finishers of the first round.
Source: Elections in Africa, 1999, p 742.
Last updated: 2004-07-14 13:35:09 UTC

ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
f. Other

Comments: Appointed by political parties.
Last updated: Wed, 15 May 2002 15:15:32 GMT

ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes

Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 14:10:25 GMT

ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber

Last updated: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 14:09:49 GMT

ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)

Last updated: 2004-07-13 15:44:52 UTC

ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:08:07 GMT

ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable

Comments: Question not answered.
Last updated: 2004-07-13 15:49:14 UTC

ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:09:08 GMT

ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 07:32:51 GMT

ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable Na

Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:41:38 GMT

ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 07:36:37 GMT

ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable Na

Last updated: Thu, 09 May 2002 22:42:20 GMT

ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: Specify the percentage: 5%
Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 07:40:50 GMT

ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 07:41:38 GMT

ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: 5%
Last updated: Mon, 27 May 2002 07:19:28 GMT

ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)

Comments: Elections can be called at any time. By whom?
Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 07:43:21 GMT

ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:13:15 GMT

ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:14:09 GMT

ES21 Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
c. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:14:42 GMT

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:17:22 GMT

LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:17:58 GMT

LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:19:42 GMT

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary

Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 20:58:51 UTC

LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
b. National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:30:23 GMT

LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:31:11 GMT

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
b. EMB

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:32:00 GMT

LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:32:58 GMT

LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:33:52 GMT

LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
c. Superior Court

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:34:54 GMT

LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
a. Election Management Body
c. Government

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 08:35:50 GMT

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster? Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance

Comments: a) Applies to free broadcast time.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?

Last updated: 2007-01-17 11:00:19 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)

Comments: a ) 250
Source: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2275.htm IPU PARLINE database
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:16:33 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:32:33 GMT

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:33:33 GMT

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:34:49 GMT

PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
e. Citizenship of parents

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:36:13 GMT

PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
c. Criminal record
d. Naturalization
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:57:42 GMT

PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
c. Criminal record
d. Naturalization
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:01:22 GMT

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:02:39 GMT

PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:03:29 GMT

PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:04:05 GMT

PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:05:15 GMT

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect

Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:44:50 UTC

PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:06:58 GMT

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
e. Other

Comments: Direct public funding is given as a reslut of party registration.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 14:44:50 UTC

PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:12:19 GMT

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
b. No

Source: International IDEA, Political Finance Database http://www.idea.int/parties/finance/db/country_print.cfm?CountryCode=ST
Last updated: 2006-12-11 16:16:33 UTC

Voter Education

VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:21:58 GMT

VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:27:39 GMT

VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
b. Media advertisement
d. Music and theater

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:28:49 GMT

VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
b. Media advertisement
d. Music and theater

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:29:32 GMT

VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
a. Disabled

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:30:07 GMT

Voting Operations

VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:16:01 GMT

VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:17:11 GMT

VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
d. Members of the armed forces
e. Students
f. Diplomatic staff
g. Other

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:18:28 GMT

VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:19:14 GMT

VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:20:11 GMT

VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
b. By mail
c. At the post office

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:20:11 GMT

VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:21:16 GMT

VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 600

Last updated: Mon, 13 May 2002 09:23:29 GMT

VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 5
b. The largest polling station: 5

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:23:29 GMT

VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 16

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 10:23:57 GMT

Voter Registration

VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:15:22 GMT

VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:15:46 GMT

VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
f. Multiple Citizenship

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:16:47 GMT

VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:18:15 GMT

VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:19:19 GMT

VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
b. Annually

Last updated: Thu, 04 Oct 2001 09:20:03 GMT

VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
a. Yes

Source: Maria Gratschew, Voter turnout project, International IDEA
Last updated: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 09:35:54 GMT

May 20, 2008 08:20 AM