The first direct presidential election in São Tomé and Príncipe open to multiple candidates was held on 3 March 1991. Voter turnout was approximately 60%.

Three candidates stated their intention to participate in the historical contest: Miguel Trovoada, a former prime minister running as an independent (with the support of both the PCD-GR and CODO ), Monso dos Santos of the Christian Democratic Front (FDC) and Guadalupe de Ceita , an independent candidate. Manuel Pinto da Costa, President since independence in 1975, declared that he would not be contesting the election and that he would retire from politics. The MLSTP-PSD did not present an alternative candidate.

In February, less than a month before the election, both Monso dos Santos and Guadalupe de Ceita withdrew from the election leaving Trovoada as the sole candidate.

Results

Miguel Trovoada received 81% of the votes cast. He was sworn in as the second president of São Tomé and Príncipe on 3 April 1991.