"The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa, Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, Mr. François Louncény Fall, welcomes the official announcement of the results of legislative elections in Sao Tome and Principe by the Constitutional Court on 19 October, as well as the issuance of the official results of regional and local elections by the Court of First Instance a few days earlier, on 16 October. He has taken note that these outcomes confirm the provisional results announced by the National Electoral Commission.

 

The Special Representative congratulates the Constitutional Court and political leaders for their commitment to abide by the Constitution and the Electoral Law throughout the process leading to the announcement of the results. He also commends the national authorities, including the National Electoral Commission, and all the people of Sao Tome and Principe for the conduct of legislative, regional and local elections on 7 October in an orderly and peaceful manner.

 

The Special Representative remains convinced that the authorities of Sao Tome and Principe, including the President of the Republic, will continue to play their role in compliance with the Constitution to complete the electoral process in a timely manner and in total serenity.

 

He will continue to follow the process and to work in close collaboration with national, sub-regional, regional and international partners in support of the democratic process and to contribute to the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

 

He calls upon all stakeholders to continue to demonstrate political maturity and to place national interests above any other consideration, and to continue to work for the common good and the well-being of the populations.

 

The United Nations will remain alongside national stakeholders and all the people of Sao Tome and Principe to support efforts towards consolidating stability in the country and achieving sustainable development goals”.