Presidential Polls in São Tomé and Príncipe: Elections for 142,674 voters are moving normally across the islands and in the diaspora, even after voting was suspended in two localities due to neighborhood protests; President Carlos Vila Nova, running for re-election as an independent, urged people not to boycott and defended the country’s “high democratic culture.” CPLP at 30: The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries marks 30 years with a push to strengthen cooperation and democratic resilience, with Luanda hosting CPLP parliamentarians to turn resolutions into practical gains for citizens. Independence Through Judo: São Tomé and Príncipe’s Judo Global held an Independence Open across both islands, spotlighting youth participation and using judo’s values—respect, courage, friendship, discipline, perseverance—as community education. Oil Licensing Shock: São Tomé and Príncipe rejected bids for three offshore oil blocs after only Petrobras and Nigeria’s Oranto Petroleum submitted offers, raising questions about competition and the future of investment in the sector. Visa Updates Across the Region: Multiple countries published 2026 entry lists, including Saint Kitts and Nevis requiring visas for São Tomé and Príncipe citizens, while Zambia includes São Tomé and Príncipe on its visa-free list.