Cape Verde’s MpD Unveils New Candidates for 2025 Election
Cape Verde’s ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) is betting on fresh faces to secure a third consecutive term in power. On April 4, the party announced a major overhaul of its candidate lists for the upcoming legislative elections on May 17, replacing approximately 60% of its prospective lawmakers.
A Balanced Strategy for a Third Mandate
Speaking at a press conference in Praia, MpD Secretary-General Agostinho Lopes highlighted that the restructuring aims to balance experience with new perspectives. “We have achieved an acceptable renewal rate, exceeding 60%,” Lopes said. 그는 “This guarantees a significantly refreshed parliamentary group—close to 50%—with young people under 35 making up about 25% of the candidates.”
In addition to party veterans, the lists feature several independents—prominent professionals without formal party affiliations whom the MpD views as vital assets for enhancing social visibility and political outreach. Lopes emphasized that the candidates were selected based on “rigor and representativeness” during internal party deliberations in late March.
Key Leaders and Influential Districts
The MpD is contesting all 13 electoral districts, including 10 domestic regions and three representing the diaspora in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Leading the charge in Cape Verde’s most populous district, Santiago South, is current Prime Minister and MpD President Ulisses Correia e Silva.
Other notable figures heading regional lists include:
- Santo Antão: Jorge Santos
- São Vicente: Paulo Rocha
- Santiago North: Austelino Correia
- Sal: Carlos Santos
The Race for an Absolute Majority
The stakes are high for the MpD, which has governed since 2016. In the 2021 elections, the party secured an absolute majority with 38 of the 72 seats in parliament, followed by the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) with 30, and the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) with four.
Prime Minister Correia e Silva is seeking his third term, but he faces a stiff challenge from PAICV leader and current mayor of Praia, Francisco Carvalho. While the MpD and PAICV have dominated Cape Verdean politics since the nation’s transition to a multi-party system in 1991, the smaller UCID hopes to act as a kingmaker should the MpD fail to reclaim its absolute majority.
“It only depends on us,” Lopes told supporters. “We must unite around our lists, strengthen internal cohesion, and be prepared to fight the threats that loom over our democracy.”
Image: Pexels – Pixabay
