João Lourenço congratulates Carlos Vila Nova and praises the people of São Tomé

Through a note from the Civil House of the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço states that "the way the entire process took place", which culminated in the election of Carlos Vila Nova, "is confirmation of the great political and democratic maturity of the people Sao Tome".

For João Lourenço, by electing Carlos Vila Nova, the people of São Tomé deposited "a vote of confidence and hope in a future of prosperity, progress and development" for São Tomé and Príncipe.

The President expressed the desire for the two countries to continue "to work together, maintaining the constructive dialogue that has been established between the two nations, with the hope that the historic relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between Angola and São Tomé and Prince to continuously strengthen, for the benefit of the well-being and prosperity of the respective peoples and countries".

Carlos Vila Nova was elected President of São Tomé and Príncipe in the second round, held on Sunday, with 45,481 votes, 57.54 percent, beating Guilherme Posser da Costa, who obtained 33,557 votes, 42.46 percent, according to results provisional figures released Monday by the National Electoral Commission (CEN).

Abstention was 34.68 percent, higher than in the first round, held on July 18, which stood at 31.6 percent.

Of the total of 123,301 registered voters in the country and in the diaspora, 80,535 voted. Of these votes, 79,038 were considered valid and there were 344 blank and 1153 null votes.

Carlos Vila Nova, former minister of governments led by Patrice Trovoada, was supported by the Independent Democratic Action party (ADI, opposition).