Paulo Veiga Wins Landslide in MpD Internal Elections
Paulo Veiga has secured a resounding victory in the internal elections for Cape Verde’s Movement for Democracy (MpD), winning 22 of 32 constituencies and garnering more votes than both of his rivals combined. The results, released by the party on Monday, solidify Veiga’s mandate as he prepares to lead the opposition back to political prominence.
A Dominant Election Performance
The final tally confirms that Veiga received 4,545 votes, comfortably outpacing Hermínio Fernandes, who secured 3,754, and Luís Filipe Tavares, who finished with 716. Veiga also dominated the selection of delegates for the upcoming XIV National Convention, scheduled for September 25–27, receiving 4,563 votes for his slate.
At 51, Veiga brings a diverse background to the leadership. A native of Praia with a degree from the United States, he is a seasoned businessman and veteran politician. Since joining the MpD in 2001, he has served in high-profile roles including Minister of the Sea, Member of Parliament, and parliamentary leader.
Returning to Roots: ‘A Vision that Unites’
Veiga campaigned under the banner “A Vision that Unites,” a platform designed to reconnect the MpD with its foundational identity. He advocates for a return to the party’s origins as a “centrist, inter-class, civic, and humanist” movement.
“We don’t need to win over voters from the opponent,” Veiga stated in his policy document. “We need to bring back those who have always been part of our family, and open our house to those who haven’t entered yet but have always been welcome.”
A New Era for the MpD
Veiga succeeds Ulisses Correia e Silva, who stepped down following the party’s significant defeat in May. That election saw the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), led by Francisco Carvalho, seize an absolute parliamentary majority, ending a decade of MpD rule.
Currently, the PAICV holds 37 of the 72 seats in the National Assembly, while the MpD holds 33. The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) occupies the remaining two seats. Until Veiga officially takes the reins, the party is being managed by interim president Eurico Monteiro, a former cabinet minister.
As the MpD pivots toward the future, the parliamentary group continues to be led by Luís Carlos Silva, supported by a leadership team including vice-presidents Damião Medina, Sandra Galina, Lídia Lima, and Edson Lúver Gomes.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
