Cape Verde Minor Parties Concede Defeat Amid PAICV Win
Cape Verde’s minor political parties are reeling following a disappointing performance in the recent legislative elections. Leaders from the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) and parties without parliamentary seats, including the Popular Party (PP) and the People, Labor and Solidarity party (PTS), have officially conceded defeat, citing a rigid two-party system and record-low voter turnout as the primary causes for their loss.
UCID Bastion Crumbles Amid ‘Dirty Play’ Allegations
The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID), traditionally the nation’s third-largest political force, suffered a significant blow, seeing its parliamentary representation slashed from four seats to just two. Speaking from the island of São Vicente—long considered a UCID stronghold—party president João Santos Luís did not mince words regarding the electoral climate.
“These elections did not go well for the party,” Luís stated. He took aim at the dominant political forces, accusing them of manipulation. “There was a lot of ‘dirty play’ in these elections. Cape Verdean democracy is still very incipient, and the main forces have manipulated the entire population.”
Luís expressed particular frustration over the abstention rate, which climbed above 50%. “We can consider that, once again, it is abstention that wins these legislative elections,” he remarked, adding that despite the setback, “the struggle continues. We lost a battle, but not the war.”
Minor Parties Vow to Continue Despite Shutout
The Popular Party (PP) and the People, Labor and Solidarity party (PTS) also failed to secure any seats in the National Assembly. PP leader Amândio Vicente described the outcome as “negative,” admitting he had hoped to elect at least one deputy. Like Luís, Vicente blamed the “bipolarization” of the political landscape and high voter apathy for the party’s failure to break through.
Meanwhile, PTS leader Jénica Brito moved to congratulate the winning African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Despite the loss, Brito maintained a positive outlook, stating the party “moves forward with its head held high” and remains committed to advocating for a more prosperous country with better employment opportunities.
PAICV Secures Absolute Majority
While the smaller parties lament a narrowing political space, the PAICV has declared a decisive victory. The party announced it has secured an absolute majority, claiming 37 of the 72 available seats. The Movement for Democracy (MpD) has acknowledged the results and is preparing to transition into its role as the primary opposition force.
As of 24 hours after polls closed, the official election portal still showed four deputies left to be officially allocated, though the overall trend confirms a return to a dominant two-party dynamic in Cape Verdean politics.
Image: Pexels – Jan van der Wolf
