- São Tomé and Príncipe President Fradique de Menezes, advocates for a government of national unity in trying to address the chronic political and governance crisis facing the country.
Negotiations which resumed yesterday involving four opposition parties ended without a breakthrough when all parties could only agree upon forming a negotiations team to unravel country’s political impasse.
São Tomé's newspaper 'Téla Nón' said directors of the state have no other alternative, but to promote dialogue in preparation for the new government after losing a vote of confidence to the opposition and other members of Parliament belonging to the ruling party three weeks ago.
The vote of confidence was due to accusation of lack of transparency by the country’s Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada in running the small island state, forcing Mr Menezes to call for legislative elections.
Mr Menezes was quoted saying, "Even if some seem to have turned back, but this appeal will be launched to find a way out of this situation. The people expect it from us.”
The country’s civil society, including trade unions has been mobilising against another anticipated election in the poor island state warning President Menezes that new elections would lead country further into an abyss and contribute to worsen the living conditions for the population. The armed forces and the business community are also expressing same concerns.
There are also economic consequences to holding elections this year instead of the ordinary date in 2010, the groups have pointed out, saying it would be a costly affair for the impoverished state although political stability and international reputation of São Tomé was at risk.
Economic consequences of the political crisis are already being felt in São Tomé and Príncipe, when government of Portugal in late May decided to postpone its debt pardon and a credit line worth Euro50 million to the country.
Civil society is now urging politicians to find a solution to the political stalemate, rather agreeing on a new unity government than calling for fresh elections. Jorge Carvalho of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations of São Tomé and Príncipe told the local media 'Téla Nón' that "The problem is not elections, the problem is the persons. We have to stop politicising everything and the persons that win elections have to take on responsibilities to govern the country."
As the political crisis deepens, the São Toméan armed forces in a seldom move have made clear political statements. In a letter to the President, generals expressed "concern over the current crisis" and urged him "to find a quick solution."
Under President Menezes, São Tomé has fallen from one government crisis into another. This is both due to the almost equal size of the opposition and Mr Menezes' party in parliament, but also due to the President's attempts to secure more powers for his office. While the São Toméan constitution seeks a power balance between the presidency and parliament, President Menezes has been able to manoeuvre the split in parliament and government on many occasions.
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