Cape Verde Elections: Voters Focus on Jobs and Safety
As Cape Verde prepares for the official start of legislative election campaigning this Thursday, voters in the capital city of Praia are sending a clear message to political leaders: focus on jobs, safety, and healthcare rather than empty rhetoric.
The Youth Unemployment Crisis
For many in Praia, the lack of economic opportunity for the younger generation is the most pressing issue. “Youth employment should be a priority, especially given how difficult it is to enter the labor market,” Nilsa Tavares, a young entrepreneur in the aesthetics industry, told Lusa. Her sentiment was echoed by Cisiane Gomes, a student, who argued that the political debate must shift toward concrete help for young graduates and workers.
Local farmer José de Pina agreed, noting that the sheer number of unemployed young people has become an “important issue” that the next government cannot afford to ignore.
Rising Insecurity and Health Concerns
Beyond the economy, physical safety and healthcare infrastructure are weighing heavily on the minds of voters. Zenaida Martins, a local merchant, reported a troubling rise in “petty crime” that Target daily commuters and workers. “There are people who work every day and are attacked,” she lamented, calling for better protection for the city’s residents.
Regarding healthcare, voters are tired of being forced to seek medical treatment abroad. José de Pina pointed out that Cape Verdeans often have to travel 700 kilometers to Dakar, Senegal, just to receive specialized care. “It is possible to have better health here; there just needs to be more attention and investment,” he said.
Demanding Substance Over Spectacle
Voters are also expressing fatigue with traditional campaign methods. Ana Cardoso, a teacher, criticized the focus on “beautification” projects like town squares over meaningful social reform. “The most important thing is to improve the living conditions of families,” she said, calling for greater accountability from candidates. Street vendor Ana Maria shared this skepticism, noting that politicians “promise many improvements, but then they don’t deliver.”
The Political Landscape
Cape Verdeans will head to the polls on May 17. The current Prime Minister and leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), Ulisses Correia e Silva, is seeking a third consecutive term after nearly a decade in power. Challenging him is Francisco Carvalho, the current mayor of Praia and leader of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
The MpD currently holds 38 seats in parliament, while the PAICV holds 30. The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) holds four seats and could serve as a kingmaker if the main parties fail to secure an absolute majority. Smaller parties, including the People’s Party (PP) and the People, Work and Solidarity party (PTS), are also vying for seats in several districts.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
