Cape Verde Constitutional Court Cuts Case Backlog by 20%
Cape Verde’s Constitutional Court (TC) made significant strides in judicial efficiency last year, slashing its case backlog by more than 20%, according to its newly released 2025 annual activity report.
By the end of 2025, the court had reduced the number of pending matters to just 77 cases targeted for resolution in 2026. José Pina Delgado, President of the Constitutional Court, hailed the period as “a year of consolidating results.”
Swift Judicial Response
The court’s workload in 2025 totaled 165 cases, comprising 97 files carried over from the previous year and 68 new filings. Through streamlined processes, the bench managed to issue 141 decisions—including 130 formal rulings, two advisory opinions, and nine summary decisions. In total, 88 cases were officially closed during the calendar year.
The report confirms that the court successfully met its institutional goal of reducing the backlog by 20% to 30%. This achievement, officials say, underscores a dedicated effort to improve procedural speed and the judiciary’s overall response capacity.
Protecting Citizen Rights
Constitutional appeals, known as amparo resources, remains the primary tool for Cape Verdeans seeking justice. These cases dominated the docket, with 76 appeals processed and 92 specific decisions issued, highlighting the court’s role in safeguarding individual rights.
Looking ahead, the panel of judges has set even more ambitious targets for 2026, aiming to further decrease the backlog by 30% to 40%.
A Growing Global Presence
Beyond its domestic achievements, the report emphasizes Cape Verde’s growing influence in international judicial circles. The court currently holds the presidency of the Bureau of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice, a prestigious global body representing approximately 120 jurisdictions.
Closer to home, the TC continues to lead the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. This leadership recently included co-hosting a high-level seminar in Luanda alongside the Constitutional Court of Angola, fostering deeper legal cooperation among Lusophone nations.
Image: Pexels – dp singh Bhullar
