Cape Verde Presidential Race: Six Candidates Seek Victory
Voters in Cape Verde will head to the polls on November 15 to select their next president, facing a ballot that features six candidates. While the two dominant political forces have fielded heavyweights, four independent challengers are campaigning to break the bipartisan grip that has defined the archipelago’s governance for over three decades.
The Institutional Heavyweights
The race is headlined by the two parties that have alternated in power since 1991. The African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) is backing the re-election of the incumbent, José Maria Neves. Challenging him from the establishment side is Joana Rosa, a former Minister of Justice representing the Movement for Democracy (MpD).
Fresh Faces and Grassroots Ambitions
Among the four candidates running without major party backing are two newcomers promising a departure from traditional politics. Antero Tavares, a 58-year-old judge and university professor from Praia, argues that his independence is his greatest asset. A graduate of the University of Coimbra, Tavares believes his lack of partisan ties will allow him to build consensus across the political spectrum. Describing himself as a “follower of Christ,” he cites his faith as a personal moral guide rather than a political platform.
Joining him is Loisito Sousa, 40, a secondary school teacher from Tarrafal. With two decades of experience teaching history and social sciences, Sousa frames himself as a “civil society” alternative. Drawing on his experience from the 2020 local elections, he says his campaign is built on listening to grassroots concerns and translating them into direct action.
Returning Challengers and Controversial Platforms
Two candidates are returning to the ballot after unsuccessful bids in 2021. Casimiro de Pina, a 52-year-old jurist and professor from Fogo, is running on a platform of strict constitutional adherence. His campaign, “Fulfill the Constitution,” positions itself as a non-partisan citizenship initiative designed to uphold the republic’s legal foundations.
The most provocative candidate is Gilson Alves, a 45-year-old doctor and entrepreneur. Alves is advocating for a radical shift in Cape Verde’s governance, calling for a transition to an authoritarian presidential regime. His campaign has already drawn legal scrutiny; the Attorney General’s Office recently opened an investigation into Alves for allegedly instigating and apologizing for crimes during his televised appearances, where he defended the death penalty and the right to carry weapons. Due to election laws, the investigation will remain suspended until after the results are proclaimed.
The Electorate at a Glance
According to September data, 426,531 voters are registered for the November 15 election. A significant portion of the electorate—roughly 18%, or 76,898 people—resides in the diaspora, highlighting the global reach of Cape Verdean democracy.
Image: Pexels – Mikhail Nilov
