Governments that reflect the makeup of the populations they represent are a sign of a healthy democracy. São Tomé and Príncipe is setting an example, advancing gender parity in its parliament to ensure the laws passed address the interests and experiences of all members of society.

Following the 2026 legislative elections, 19 women will take their seats in São Tomé and Príncipe’s 55-member National Assembly, more than double the eight in the previous legislature. Women's share of seats in the Assembly has therefore increased from 14.5 percent to 34.5 percent, marking a major step forward for political representation and democracy in the country. This progress deserves to be celebrated, and, more importantly, sustained.

This progress was neither accidental nor the result of any single actor's efforts. It was made possible, first and foremost, by a sovereign national decision: the adoption of the Parity Law in 2022, which requires that women and men each account for at least 40 percent of candidates on electoral lists and establishes rules for their placement. The 2026 elections marked the first legislative test of this new framework, demonstrating how legal reforms can translate into tangible progress when underpinned by political commitment, effective oversight and collective action.

National institutions were central to translating the law into results. The Commission for Monitoring the Parity Law (Comissão de Seguimento da Lei da Paridade) played a particularly important role, reviewing candidate lists and working with political parties to secure the necessary adjustments before their approval. Electoral and judicial authorities, political parties, civil society organizations and women leaders all contributed to putting the new legal framework into practice.

The first application of the law has also provided valuable lessons. While the increase in women's representation is significant, challenges remain in ensuring full compliance with the law and addressing gaps in its implementation. Learning from these challenges and strengthening enforcement will be essential to safeguarding these gains and building on them in future elections.

Women themselves were at the forefront of this effort. During the electoral process, 72 women from seven political parties and five districts completed training in political communication, negotiation and preventing violence against women in politics. A network of more than 105 people, including parliamentarians, political party representatives and journalists, helped galvanize public support for gender parity. Exchanges with parliamentarians from Cabo Verde further enriched the process, creating opportunities to share experiences, learn from one another and explore mentorship.

These achievements are, above all, the result of the commitment and leadership of the people and institutions of São Tomé and Príncipe.

They also underscore the value of international cooperation that is firmly anchored in national priorities, built on mutual respect and draws on complementary expertise. With financial support from the Government of Japan and its own resources, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worked alongside national institutions and stakeholders throughout the 2026 electoral cycle. Its support focused on helping translate the new legal framework into practice, fostering dialogue, raising public awareness and strengthening the capacities of those involved in the electoral process.