Cape Verde PM Launches Re-Election Bid Against “Populism”
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Ulisses Correia e Silva, the leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), officially launched his bid for a third term as Prime Minister on Thursday, urging voters to choose stability over “populism” as the nation prepares for legislative elections on May 17.
Addressing a high-energy rally in the Achada Santo António neighborhood of the capital, the 63-year-old incumbent framed his re-election bid as a mission to “consolidate” the progress made during a decade in power. Using a nautical metaphor to describe his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shifts, he told supporters that “those who learn to cross a rough sea are better prepared” to guide the nation forward.
Defending the Record
Correia e Silva highlighted Cape Verde’s economic growth and rising international prestige, asserting that the archipelago is currently “in fashion” on the global stage. He accused the opposition of willfully ignoring these successes. “Cape Verde is better today,” he insisted, pointing to gains in tourism, health, education, and entrepreneurship.
In a final flourish to his hour-long speech, he compared his administration to a moving vehicle. He argued that after ten years of progress, the country’s “gearbox” should only shift into higher gears. “We cannot return to first gear, and we certainly cannot engage reverse,” he told the cheering crowd.
A Clash of Visions
The Prime Minister took direct aim at his main rival, Francisco Carvalho, the Mayor of Praia and leader of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Correia e Silva characterized Carvalho as a threat to democratic stability, questioning whether the opposition leader would allow citizens to “sleep peacefully regarding our democracy.”
The campaign has already zeroed in on cost-of-living issues, specifically inter-island transport and education:
- Transportation: Correia e Silva mocked the PAICV’s promise to slash boat and plane fares to fixed low rates, questioning if the opposition wants to “ground the companies” and make transport unviable. He pledged “fair, viable prices” and an expanded fleet of vessels.
- Education: While the opposition has promised free higher education, the Prime Minister stuck to a strategy of expanding scholarships and building university residences. “Our commitment is to increase the amount and number of scholarships so more young people can graduate,” he said.
The Race for the Assembly
The MpD and PAICV have dominated Cape Verdean politics since 1991. The MpD currently holds 38 seats in the National Assembly against the PAICV’s 30. The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID), which holds four seats, is campaigning to break the cycle of absolute majorities held by the two main parties.
Under the slogan “Cape Verde Forward,” the MpD campaign will run until May 15. Voters will elect 72 deputies across 13 districts, including representation for the diaspora. With approximately 419,700 registered voters—a 7% increase since 2021—the stakes for the mid-Atlantic nation have never been higher.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
