Ex PM Carvalho wins presidential race

Former Prime Minister Evaristo Carvalho has been elected president of Sao Tome and Principe after incumbent Manuel Pinto da Costa dropped out of the race, citing irregularities. Mr Carvalho won 42,058 votes in Sunday’s poll, the National Electoral Commission (CEN) said, announcing provisional results. Only 46% of voters voted and of those 18% turned in […]

Former Prime Minister Evaristo Carvalho has been elected president of Sao Tome and Principe after incumbent Manuel Pinto da Costa dropped out of the race, citing irregularities.
Mr Carvalho won 42,058 votes in Sunday’s poll, the National Electoral Commission (CEN) said, announcing provisional results.
Only 46% of voters voted and of those 18% turned in blank or invalid ballots, CEN chairman Alberto Pereira said.
Mr Carvalho, the vice-president of the ruling party, was guaranteed victory in Sunday’s run-off after the president withdrew from the race, alleging the first round on 17 July was marred by widespread irregularities.
 He trailed Mr Carvalho in that round by 24.8% to 49.8%.   A run-off was organised because of Mr Carvalho’s failure to secure a clear majority.
The outgoing president ruled the former Portuguese colony from independence in 1975 until 1991, and again over the last five years.