Sao Tome and Principe - Political Violence STP - Political Violence
STP is a vibrant democracy where politicians and the public have a history of accepting government changes resulting from elections. STP is relatively stable, has few ethnic tensions, and has a relaxed lifestyle which locals refer to in Portuguese as leve–leve (take it easy). Political violence is rare, as a high premium is placed on consensus in decision-making. Free and fair legislative and municipal elections held in October 2014 led to a peaceful transition of power to a new government led by the Independent Democratic Action party.
STP has a generally good human rights record and demonstrates a respect for citizens' and workers' rights. Strikes are not the primary means to settle labor disputes and labor strikes have been rare in recent times.
Since independence in 1975, there have been no incidents of politically motivated attacks on projects or installations. Anti-American sentiment is very limited and civil disorder is rare. There is a maritime piracy and terrorism threat in the Gulf of Guinea, but the impact on STP and its territorial waters has been limited. STP has sought to be an active partner in regional maritime security efforts, although its capacity is low due to budget constraints.