The president of Sao Tome and Principe holds a more representative than executive position, as the Government falls on the group with the parliamentary majority, currently in the hands of the opponent of the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe.

Minister on several occasions, Vila Nova, 65, is a telecommunications engineer running for the Independent Democratic Action party. He will be in charge of arbitrating in disputes and countersigning the laws passed by the Legislature.

pgh/iff/mem/msl