With the presidential election in São Tomé and Príncipe just months away, scheduled for July 19, 2026, Miques João Bonfim stands out as an independent candidate in a race dominated by the country’s major political forces. A lawyer by training, he intends to place governance, respect for the rule of law, and political renewal at the heart of his campaign.
São Toméan lawyer and jurist Miques João Bonfim is among the five candidates approved by the Constitutional Court to participate in the São Tomé and Príncipe presidential election, scheduled for July 19, 2026. An independent candidate, he intends to present a political platform focused on defending the rule of law, reforming public governance, and renewing the political class.
“While people are dying in hospitals due to a lack of essential medicines, reagents, and oxygen, public funds are being diverted to finance the purchase of luxury vehicles. The country is going through a particularly difficult period, marked by a climate of fear and profound legal insecurity”.
Miques João Bonfim, Presidential Candidate – São Tomé and Príncipe
Before announcing his candidacy for the highest office, Miques João Bonfim was already known in the country’s political circles. He was notably associated with the Movimento Social Democrata – Partido Verde de São Tomé e Príncipe (MSD-PVSTP), a political party with which his name has been linked. However, for the 2026 presidential election, he chose to run without the official endorsement of any major party, claiming an independent candidacy.
“I advocate for the urgent restoration of justice, dignity, and democratic values. It has become essential to put an end to this situation and to begin rebuilding our country on the foundations of the rule of law. It is to uphold this commitment and contribute to this renewal that I am here today.”
Miques João Bonfim, Presidential Candidate – São Tomé and Príncipe
Through his candidacy, Miques João Bonfim, 41, also seeks to represent an alternative to traditional political parties, relying on a message of change and renewal of public life in São Tomé. According to the National Electoral Commission (CEN), approximately 143,000 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, nearly 19,000 more than in 2022.
