Dissolution of parliament "okay" - diplomat

The dissolution of parliament in Sao Tome and Principe on Saturday and the announcement by President Fradique de Menezes, that early legislative elections will take place on March 3, 2002, should pave way to a more democratic political climate, a diplomat in the country told IRIN on Tuesday. The Presidential decree dissolving parliament was issued after Menezes and representatives of political parties signed an agreement to form a broad based government, the Portuguese news agency LUSA reported on Monday. The agency quoted the President as saying he hoped "that during the electoral campaign that follows, Sao Tome's politicians ... all together will launch the country into a new era of agreement, understanding and harmony". The agreement with political parties, LUSA reported, was aimed at establishing a more representative executive of at least two or three of the parties receiving most votes. Proportional representation could be used to allocate portfolios. The pact would be valid for two terms and approved early in the first session of the future parliament. Constitutional revision and local and regional elections are envisaged in the agreement, LUSA said. AFP reported on Tuesday that since September 27, Prime Minister Evaristo de Carvalho had been running a government formed exclusively of opposition members because it was impossible to cut a power-sharing deal with the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP). It said the dissolution of parliament was inevitable, adding that the pact signed with the parties, could open the way to an interim broad-based government including MLSTP members. A political crisis was brought about in the twin-island Atlantic republic following divergences between the MLSTP and the president over the make-up of a new government. Menezes bypassed parliament and formed a government of "presidential initiative" on 26 September. The MLSTP subsequently walked out of parliament after repeated calls to return them to power were unanswered by the head of state, LUSA reported.