Democratic Convergence Party (São Tomé and Príncipe)


The Democratic Convergence Party-Reflection Group is a political party in São Tomé and Príncipe. It was founded on 4 November 1990 by Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe dissidents, independents, and young professionals. Leonel Mário d'Alva is the party leader.
The party won the 1991 parliamentary election and was the ruling party from 1991 to 1994. Since 1994 its power has declined, and it has maintained coalitions with other parties, first the MLSTP and then the Forces for Change Coalition of current President Fradique de Menezes. It was led for several years by Alda Bandeira.
At the legislative elections, March 3, 2002, the party won together with the Force for Change Democratic Movement-Liberal Party 39.4% of the popular vote and 23 out of 55 seats. The same alliance won at the legislative election, held on 26 March 2006, 36.79% and 23 out of 55 seats. The party supported incumbent Fradique de Menezes in the 30 July 2006 presidential election. He was re-elected with 60.58% of the vote.