Collecting reliable population statistics and conducting voter registration abroad

Voter registration was mandated prior to the legislative elections of 2022. However, data and accurate statistics on Santomeans living abroad were scarce, if not absent. To this end, census offices were established in embassies and consulates, and registration appeals launched through community outreach. This considerable data-gathering effort, the first of its kind, proactively involved diaspora associations in multiple countries, including Portugal and Spain. Experts from the Santomean National Electoral Committee participated in extensive consultations with statistical institutes from abroad and diaspora representatives, enabling local intelligence.