Sao Tome and Principe supremo calls to boycott election

The supremo of Sao Tome and Principe, Manuel Pinto da Costa, has announced to boycott the general election alleging fraud practices in the initial round of elections. The political observers categorised the move as an extremely unusual decision from an experienced politician. The first round of the general elections held on seventeenth of last month. In that initial round, the supremo only secured nearly twenty-four per cent votes. On the other hand, his opponent, Evaristo Carvalho, secured over forty-nine per cent vote. Mr Carvalho was the former Prime Minister of this West African country. Now, he is certain to win the top post. The second round of election happened on Sunday. But, ahead of the crucial election, Mr Costa instructed his supporters to boycott the elections. As per BBC reports, many people abstained themselves from casting vote after Mr Costa had instructed his supporters to do so. Mr Costa was the first supremo of the independent Sao Tome and Principe. The island announced complete independence from the Portuguese supremacy in 1975. Mr Costa had been ruling the country for fifteen years when he lost the top post in 1990. The political observers opined that the introduction of multi-party democracy had led to his resignation in the late 20s. It is learned that he ruled the country with an iron fist and introduced several reforms in the administration. Sao Tome and Principe is two African islands of volcanic origin situated on the western coast of Africa. It was formerly a Portuguese colony. The democratic goddess blessed the island on 1975.

Vignesh

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