Official vote counting is underway in the Atlantic island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe following Sunday’s presidential election.
The small archipelago, widely regarded across the continent as a steady model of democracy in Africa, saw citizens cast their ballots in an election closely watched for its political transition.
The central race features outgoing President Carlos Vila Nova, who faces a stiff challenge from a prominent member of his own party, Nito Viegas D’Abreu. D’Abreu, a current member of parliament, enters the contest with the heavy backing of former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada. Two independent candidates are also on the ballot.
Election officials have begun the process of sorting and tallying the votes to determine the country’s next leader.
–ChannelAfrica–
