Presidential elections were held in São Tomé and Príncipe on 17 July 2016.[1] Initial results suggested Evaristo Carvalho of Independent Democratic Action had been elected in the first round of voting, defeating incumbent President Manuel Pinto da Costa;[2] however, the results was subsequently annulled, necessitating a second round between Carvalho and Pinto da Costa,[3] which was held on 7 August.[4] However, Pinto da Costa boycotted the second round after claiming the first round had been fraudulent,[5] meaning Carvalho was elected unopposed.[6]
The President of São Tomé and Príncipe is elected using the two-round system.[7] If no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, a run-off between the top two candidates.
There were five candidates, including incumbent President Manuel Pinto da Costa,[8] two former prime ministers, Evaristo Carvalho from Independent Democratic Action and Maria das Neves from the MLSTP/PSD, as well as two independents.
Carvalho stood as the candidate of the ruling ADI, the party of Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Carvalho was initially declared the winner in the first round with slightly more than 50% of the vote, but Carvalho's score was subsequently adjusted downward to 49.88%, necessitating a second round against President Pinto da Costa. However, Pinto da Costa refused to participate in the second round, alleging fraud and calling for a boycott.[9]