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Sao Tome and Principe Sao Tome and Principe

Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated. Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please contact the ACE facilitators.

Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies
Question:Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments: For legislative elections the country is divided into electoral constituencies each of which elects 4 representatives.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD002


Question:The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s): e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question:On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s): d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: The electoral law states that the constituencies shall broadly confirm to the existing administrative districts.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 17: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD004


Question:If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer: g. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question:The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s): a. Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Existing administrative boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 17: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State
Question:How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s): c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The head of state is the President, elected by universal, direct and secret suffrage for a five year term. Absolute majority is required in the first round; if no candidate achieves the required majority, a run-off election is held between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the first round. (IFES Election Guide: https://www.electionguide.org/countries/id/188/)
Source: Constitution, Art. 77 and Art.79: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES002

Head of Government
Question:How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer: e. Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is designated by the President of the Republic, taking into consideration the electoral results
Source: Constitution, Art. 110: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES003

President
Question:Does the country have a president?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 77: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES004

Number of Chambers
Question:The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer: a. One chamber
Comments: The National Assembly is the highest representative and legislative organ of the state.
Source: Constitution, Title IV Art. 92: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): g. List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 24: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES006


Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES007


Question:If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer: a. d'Hondt Formula
Comments:
Source: Art. 24, Electoral Law: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES009


Question:What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s): d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES010


Question:Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES011
If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
 
Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Women	- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Religious groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Other- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Not applicable 	Na
Source
No Source
Verified
2010/01/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES012


Question:Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer: c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES013
If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
 
Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Women	- proportion of total seats (%) 	
Religious groups - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Other - proportion of total seats (%) 	
Not applicable 	Na
Source
No Source
Verified
2010/01/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES014


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer: b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: Specify the percentage: 5%
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES015


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES016


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer: a. No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES017


Question:What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES018


Question:Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s): b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: Elections can be called at any time. By whom?
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES019


Question:Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s): e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES020


Question:Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer: a. Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source: Art.117, Electoral Law: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES021


Question:Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer: c. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/17
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law
Question:What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s): b. Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990:https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law; Law on the Right to Vote and Voter Registration n.º 5/96 of 20 June 1996, as amended (latest amendment - 2003); Law on Financing of Political Parties and Electoral Campaigns n.º 9/2004 of 30 December 2004; Law on Political Parties n.º 8/90 of 21 September 1990: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-law-on-political-parties
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF002


Question:What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer: b. January 1990- December 1999
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF003

Electoral Law covers
Question:The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s): a. National elections
Comments: Presidential and legislative elections.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question:Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s): a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: All citizens of more than eighteen years have the right of suffrage, excepting incompetence as provided in the general law IDEA List of Compulsory Voting Countries: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout/compulsory-voting (Sao Tome and Principe)
Source: Constitution, Art. 57: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_2003.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF005


Question: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?
Answer: b. National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF006


Question:Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s): a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question:What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s): a. Judiciary
d. Other
Comments: The Supreme Court of Justice and The District Counting Committee (Asambleia de Apuramento Distrital).
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, art. 163, 164: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF008


Question:If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s): h. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF009


Question:Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s): a. Candidates
b. Parties
e. Other
Comments: Candidates or their agents may dispute the results of elections and file appeals.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, art. 163, 164: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF010


Question:What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s): c. Superior Court
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, art. 164: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2021/06/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
LF011


Question:Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s): a. Election Management Body
c. Government
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Electoral Management

EM001
Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
 
Name of Institution: National Electoral Commission

Website Address: N/A
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/06/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM002

Responsibility of national EMB
Question:Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s): a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM003


Question:The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s): c. The legislature
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM004

EMB budget determined by
Question:The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s): h. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by
Question:The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s): h. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM006

Term of EMB members
Question:The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer: e. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM007


Question:The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s): b. Legislative appointment
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM008
According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections? 
estimated total: 	2000000 
Exchange rate used
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/11/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM011
What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
 
Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 	
Election Management Body administration 	
Staff/Equipment/Supplies 	
Security 	
Official funding of parties and candidates 	
Voter education 	
Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 	
Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs 	
Polling operations 	
Vote tabulation 	
Other
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/11/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM012

Electoral Management model
Question:What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer: e. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53 http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM013

Number of EMB members
Question:The EMB is composed of:
Answer: f. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM014

Membership based on
Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer: e. No Information Available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM015


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s): k. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53 http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by
Question:Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s): m. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE002

Frequency of voter education programs
Question:At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer: d. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ST/sao-tome-e-principe-electoral-law
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE003

National civic education
Question:Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s): m. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on Electoral Commission n.º12/90 of 26 November 1990 Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 53 http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE004


Question:What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s): b. Media advertisement
d. Music and theater
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE005


Question:What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s): b. Media advertisement
d. Music and theater
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE006


Question:Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s): a. Disabled
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age
Question:What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer: c. 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016); Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 6: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR002

Other voting requirements
Question:Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s): a. Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 2, 6, 8: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016); Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR003


Question:What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s): a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
f. Multiple Citizenship
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR004

Authority responsible for voter registration
Question:Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer: f. No information available
Comments:
Source: Law on the Right to Vote and Voter Registration n.º 5/96 of 20 June 1996, as amended (latest amendment - 2003); Constitution, Art. 58: http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016); Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 2 (3), 107: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR005


Question:What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer: b. Voters register
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR006


Question:How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer: b. Annually
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR008

Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question:Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 2, 107: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): f. Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 19, 32, 33, 34, 37: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC002

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): g. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
Comments: Citizens with double nationality are eligible to stand for legislative elections provided that they reside in the constituency they wish to represent.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 10, 18: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC004

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): k. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC005


Question:What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
e. Citizenship of parents
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC006


Question:What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s): a. Current criminal incarceration
c. Criminal record
d. Naturalization
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC007


Question:What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s): a. Current criminal incarceration
c. Criminal record
d. Naturalization
k. Mental health problems
l. Multiple Citizenship
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC008

Independent candidates
Question:Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s): e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Provided that they are supported by a group of 100 qualified electors.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 19, 38: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC009


Question:If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): a. Signature requirement (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC010


Question:If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
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PC011


Question:If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
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PC012

Public funding of parties
Question:Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s): b. Direct
c. Indirect
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 85, 98: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016); Law No. 8/90 on Political Parties, art. 26, 27: http://www.stj.st/download/lei_dos_partidos_politicos.pdf (2016); Law No. 09/04 on political party funding, art. 4
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC014


Question:If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s): e. Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
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PC015


Question:What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s): a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: Law No. 8/90 on Political Parties, art. 26, 27: http://www.stj.st/download/lei_dos_partidos_politicos.pdf (2016); Law No. 09/04 on political party funding, art. 5 (2)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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PC016


Question:If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s): e. Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
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PC017


Question:Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 100: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2012); Law No. 8/90 on Political Parties, art. 27: http://www.stj.st/download/lei_dos_partidos_politicos.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Vote Counting

VC004

Votes are sorted/counted at
Question:Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer: a. The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 133, 134: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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VC011

When are ballots recounted?
Question:Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s): d. By request
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 159: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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Media and Elections

ME001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
 
Name and Title: 	
Job Title: 	
Organisation: 	
Contact Address: 	
Telephone:  	
Facsimile: 	
Email:
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/06/13
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME037

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question:What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s): a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Free broadcast time on public radio and television is distributed by the National Electoral Commission equally to all candidates during the electoral campaign.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 85, 94, 95, 96: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME038
What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
 
Amount (Euros) 	
The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/06/13
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ME056
What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
 
....... 	
There are no laws in this regard
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/06/13
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ME057
What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
 
......... 	
The law does not specify any limits
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/06/13
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ME059

Television debates
Question:Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s): d. No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006): http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME062

Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question:What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer: g. No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006): http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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ME080


Question:Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer: b. No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006): http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 123 (2):https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 123 (2):https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD004

Optional referendums (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 123 (2):https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm Constitution, :https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
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DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm Constitution,:https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD007


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm Constitution,:https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD129


Question:Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer: a. Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 123(2): http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD130


Question:Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer: d. No information available
Comments: The referendum can only deal with issues of national interest that should be decided by the National Assembly or the Government through the adoption of international convention or legislative act. Constitutional amendments, as well as issues and acts of budgetary, financial or fiscal content are outside the scope of referendum.
Source: Constitution, Art. 123(2): http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD131


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm Constitution, Art. 123(2): http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Voting Operations

VO002


Question:Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO003

Electors vote at
Question:Where can electors vote?
Answer(s): a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
f. By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 106, 120, 124, 125, 126: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO004

Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question:Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s): b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 9, 72: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO005

Locations for voting outside of the country
Question:If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s): a. Embassies
b. Consulates
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 9, 72: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO006


Question:Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer: b. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO007


Question:If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s): b. By mail
c. At the post office
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO009


Question:Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/10/04
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO010
Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
 
Yes, the maximum capacity is: 	600
No
Source
No Source
Verified
2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO011

Voting method
Question:How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s): a. Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006), art. 108, 122: http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
 
The smallest polling station: 	5
The largest polling station: 	5
Average per polling station:
Source
No Source
Verified
2016/06/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)