Cape Verde Seats New Parliament: PAICV Takes Control
The Cape Verdean National Assembly finalized its leadership structure for the 11th legislature on Tuesday, solidifying a significant political transition after the May 17 general elections. The vote follows the historic appointment of Janira Hopffer Almada as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Parliament.
New Parliamentary Leadership Confirmed
During a plenary session, lawmakers elected the remaining members of the governing board. Adilson Jesus, representing the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), was chosen as the first vice-president. Vanusa Barbosa, from the Movement for Democracy (MpD), will serve as the second vice-president. The secretariat will be composed of Ana Paula Moeda (PAICV), Anilda Tavares (MpD), and Carlos Rodrigues (PAICV).
Outgoing Speaker Austelino Correia opened the session by thanking the electorate and urging the 72 newly elected deputies to act with a “sense of responsibility.” He emphasized that the National Assembly must remain an “active voice” to fulfill its constitutional role in solving the nation’s most pressing challenges.
A Shift in Political Power
The seated parliament reflects a shift in the country’s power dynamics. The PAICV now holds a majority with 37 seats, followed by the MpD with 33, and the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) with two. While the PAICV secured representation in all 13 electoral districts, the MpD notably failed to win a seat in the Americas district. Both UCID representatives were elected from their traditional stronghold of São Vicente.
Despite the high stakes of the election, the transition was marked by a historic lack of engagement at the polls. According to the National Elections Commission (CNE), absenteeism reached a record high, with 53.5% of registered voters staying home.
Assembly Demographics and New Government
The 11th legislature boasts a diverse makeup, featuring 38 men and 34 women. The deputies range in age from 25 to 70, though the vast majority (56 lawmakers) fall within the 41-to-60 age bracket.
With the legislative board now established, attention shifts to the executive branch. Francisco Carvalho, President of the PAICV and Prime Minister-designate, is expected to present his cabinet picks to the President of the Republic today. The new government is scheduled to be officially sworn in this Friday.
Image: Pexels – Jan van der Wolf
