00:00Vote counting is underway following Southomian Principia's presidential elections held on Sunday.
00:08The outgoing President Carlos Villanova faces party rival Nito Viegras-Dabrou,
00:14a current member of parliament backed by former Prime Minister Patrice Trovada,
00:18along with two independent candidates.
00:21If no candidate gains more than 50% of Sunday's votes,
00:25there will be a second round run-off on August 9.
00:28The electoral commission voiced concern following law turnout,
00:33saying many had gone to the polling stations without casting ballots,
00:37though they gave no official figures.
00:40In South Tome, the president's role is seen as largely ceremonial,
00:44responsible for representation and the promulgation of laws,
00:48while most executive powers lie with the Prime Minister.
00:51The 66-year-old Villanova was elected president in 2021
00:56with his Independent Democratic Action Party,
00:59while also casting himself as a guarantor of the political stability of the country.
01:03in the last 50 years ofindiess,
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