São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova was sworn in for a second five-years, in a ceremony attended by several African and international leaders.
The inauguration was attended by the presidents of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the prime ministers of Portugal and Mozambique.
Vila Nova, who first became president in 2021 with the backing of the centre-right Independent Democratic Action party, was re-elected in the first round of the presidential election in July.
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He won more than 55% of the vote, ahead of his main rival, Nito Abreu, a member of parliament backed by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.
Turnout was historically low, with 59% of voters abstaining.
The president’s role in São Tomé and Príncipe is largely ceremonial, while most executive powers rest with the prime minister.
The next head of government will be determined by legislative elections scheduled for September 27.
Africanews
