PAICV Wins Cape Verde Parliament Control After a Decade
The Cape Verdean parliament convenes today for the opening session of its 11th legislature, marking a historic power shift as the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) returns to a position of dominance.
After a decade under the control of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), the political landscape has shifted following the legislative elections held on May 17. The National Assembly will welcome 72 deputies today, consisting of 37 representatives from PAICV, 33 from the outgoing MpD, and two from the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID).
A New Balance of Power
PAICV’s victory was widespread, with the party securing representatives across all 13 electoral districts. In contrast, the MpD suffered a notable blow, failing to elect a single deputy in the Americas district. The two UCID representatives secured their seats in their traditional stronghold of São Vicente.
The incoming parliament also shows a significant step toward gender parity, comprising 38 men and 34 women. Lawmakers range in age from 25 to 70, though experience dominates the floor; the National Elections Commission (CNE) reports that 56 of the 72 deputies fall within the 41-to-60 age demographic.
Election Results and Voter Fatigue
The final tally from the May 17 polls shows PAICV winning with 90,660 votes (48.04%), followed by the MpD with 84,458 votes (44.75%). UCID garnered 9,812 votes (5.2%), while the Labor and Solidarity Party (PTS) and the Popular Party failed to secure enough support to enter parliament.
Despite the decisive shift in leadership, the election was overshadowed by record-breaking voter apathy. For the first time, more than half of registered voters (53.5%) stayed away from the polls, highlighting a growing disconnect between the electorate and the political establishment.
Formation of the New Government
Francisco Carvalho, the president of PAICV and Prime Minister-designate, is expected to move swiftly. Carvalho announced that he intends to present his proposed cabinet to the President of the Republic today. If the list is approved, the new executive government is slated to be sworn into office this Friday, officially ending ten years of MpD rule.
Image: Pexels – Jan van der Wolf
