[2] The elections were contested by five parties and two electoral alliances,[3] three of which presented a candidate for Prime Minister; the ruling Independent Democratic Action (ADI) under Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, the main opposition party the centre-left MLSTP-PSD led by its newly elected president former Minister of Education and Culture Jorge Bom Jesus, and a centre-right coalition formed in August between the MDFM–UDD Union (a merger between the MDFM-PL and UDD)[4] and the Democratic Convergence Party (PCD).

The ADI asked for verification of the more than 2,000 blank and void votes hoping to gain an extra seat and obtain a majority together with MCISTP.

On 12 October the police announced that there would be a 72 hour ban on demonstrations after the Constitutional Court declares the final results.

[8] The proclamation of the ban happened after President Evaristo Carvalho had left the country to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Equatorial Guinea's independence.

In the airport Carvalho said that he would follow the constitution and authorize the party with the most seats to form the new government,[9] indicating that Patrice Trovoada could continue as Prime Minister despite the ADI losing their majority.