SAO TOME, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Carlos Vila Nova, president of Sao Tome and Principe, on Thursday rejected the nomination of Helio de Almeida as prime minister proposed by the ruling Independent Democratic Action Party (ADI), calling on ADI to come up with alternative candidates to replace Patrice Trovoada, who was dismissed earlier this week.
According to the country's official news agency STP-Press, the rejection was announced during a press conference where the president explained that Helio de Almeida's candidacy did not align with his "sensibility."
"After consultations and within the scope of my responsibilities, the candidate proposed by the ADI, Helio de Almeida, does not meet my sensibility. Therefore, I request that ADI propose other names for the leadership of the next government in the coming hours, as the party has other qualified cadres," said Vila Nova. "The requirements are mainly those that align with a specific profile. Of course, I cannot go into details here because the party is well aware of them."
The Sao Tomean president on Monday dissolved Trovoada's government and requested his party to propose a new candidate for the position of prime minister and head of government within 72 hours.
Trovoada held a press conference Tuesday at his office, describing the President's decision as unconstitutional. The ADI, with which both Vila Nova and Trovoada are members, has appealed to the Constitutional Court to overturn the decision.
Trovoada signed a letter as ADI chairman Wednesday, nominating Helio de Almeida as the new prime minister. ■
