Presidential Election Results: São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Electoral Commission says President Carlos Vila Nova has won a second five-year term outright, taking about 55.94% of the vote and avoiding a runoff; his main rival Nito Viegas D’Abreu won about 41%, with turnout reported as low and officials saying no irregularities were detected. Election Day Snapshot: Voting was described as calm overall, though protests led to voting being suspended in at least two localities; the president’s role is largely ceremonial, with executive power mainly with the prime minister. Oil & Investment Signal: The government rejected bids for three offshore oil blocs after only Petrobras and Oranto Petroleum submitted offers, citing insufficient competition—an outcome that raises questions for future licensing and investor interest. Regional Cooperation: CPLP marks its 30th anniversary, with leaders in Luanda stressing stronger cooperation and practical steps to deepen ties among Portuguese-speaking countries. Coastal Protection Debate: An activist in Ghana warns that delays in the WACA ResIP 2 sea defence project are reviving colonial-era thinking that undervalues coastal communities—an issue that also touches São Tomé and Príncipe’s participation in the broader regional effort.