Government of São Tomé and Príncipe
3 national office holders, each linked to its source.
São Tomé and Príncipe, officially the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, has its capital at Sao Tome and a population of 240,254 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a semi-presidential republic. President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova (in office since 2 Oct 2021) is head of state; Prime Minister Americo Ramos is head of government. The legislature is the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional), a unicameral body with 55 seats. The most recent national election recorded by IFES ElectionGuide was held on 19 Jul 2026. Elections are run by the Comissão Eleitoral Nacional (CEN); website not found. Americo Barros is listed as central bank governor. The directory below lists 12 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.
National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)
Unicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook
| Chamber | Seats | Last election |
|---|---|---|
| National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) | 55 (all directly elected) | 25 Sept 2022 |
Cabinet
| Portfolio | Holder | Appointed |
|---|---|---|
| President (Presidente da Republica) | Carlos Manuel Vila Nova | 2 Sept 2021 |
| Prime Minister (Primeiro-Ministro e Chefe do Governo) | Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos | 12 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities (Ministra de Estado, dos Negocios Estrangeiros, Cooperacao e Comunidades) | Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of State for Economy and Finance (Ministro de Estado, da Economia e Financas) | Gareth Haddad do Espírito Santo Guadalupe | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Defence and Internal Order (Ministro da Defesa e Ordem Interna) | Horácio Castro da Trindade Sousa | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Women's Rights (Ministra da Justica, Assuntos Parlamentares e Direitos da Mulher) | Vera Maria Assunção Gomes Cravid | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources (Ministro das Infraestruturas e Recursos Naturais) | Nelson Mário de Carvalho Rosa Cardoso | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism (Ministra do Ambiente, Juventude e Turismo Sustentavel) | Nilda Borges da Mata | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development (Ministro da Agricultura, Pescas e Desenvolvimento Rural) | Nilton Garrido de Sousa Pontes | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education (Ministra da Educacao, Cultura, Ciencia e Ensino Superior) | Isabel Maria Correia Viegas de Abreu | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Health (Ministro da Saude) | Celso Vaz do Nascimento Matos | 14 Jan 2025 |
| Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (Ministro do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Seguranca Social) | Joucerli Tiny dos Ramos | 14 Jan 2025 |
Sources: stp.gov.st (retrieved 10 Oct 2026).
List as of 10 Oct 2026.
Parliament, courts and independent offices
| Office | Holder | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Central bank governor | Americo Barros | - |
Sources: CIA World Factbook, World Leaders list dated 9 Feb 2026.
São Tomé and Príncipe election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028
Next national election: Due by 2026, presidential election.
| Date | Election | Status | Turnout | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due by 2026 | Presidential election | Due | - | - |
| Due by 2026 | Parliamentary election | Due | - | - |
Sources: Comissão Nacional Eleitoral (CNE) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).