Cape Verde Election: Call for Impartial Presidential Leader
As Cape Verde prepares to head to the polls on November 15, political analysts are calling for the next president to serve as an “impartial referee”—a stabilizing force capable of rising above partisan politics to safeguard the nation’s constitution.
With six candidates vying for the nation’s highest office, experts emphasize that the role demands a figure who can ensure national tranquility without overstepping into the day-to-day governance managed by the executive branch. “The role is, effectively, that of an impartial referee and a true guardian of the Constitution,” Dionísio Simões Pereira, president of the Cape Verdean Civil Society Forum, told Lusa. He warned candidates against promising policy changes that fall under the government’s jurisdiction, urging them to stick to presidential powers.
The Weight of Diplomacy
In a global climate defined by geopolitical shifts and economic volatility, analysts argue that the president’s most vital contribution lies in international representation. Analyst Rosário Luz highlighted that for an island nation dependent on tourism and foreign aid, the head of state must be a dignified diplomat. While the president does not dictate foreign policy, they play a critical role in confirming ambassadors and representing the state on the world stage.
Luz also stressed the president’s duty to educate the public on how international conflicts and inflation directly impact Cape Verdean life, fostering a more informed electorate.
A System Weighted Toward the Status Quo
Despite the variety of candidates, analysts suggest the race remains a battle between the country’s two dominant forces: the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and the Movement for Democracy (MpD). Jurist and professor João Alvarenga noted that the short 15-day official campaign period significantly favors established figures, leaving little time for newcomers to build momentum.
Current President José Maria Neves, seeking re-election with PAICV support, brings the weight of his previous tenure as Prime Minister (2001–2016). History is on his side; in Cape Verde, every president elected by universal suffrage who has sought a second term has successfully secured it.
The Challenge of Voter Apathy
A looming shadow over the election is the threat of high abstention. In 2021, voter turnout failed to reach 50%, with 52% of the electorate staying home. Alvarenga predicts a similar trend this year, citing a deep-seated distrust in political institutions.
Luz attributed this “crisis of confidence” to a cycle of unfulfilled promises and the perception that party interests take precedence over the needs of the citizens. “Abstention reflects a loss of confidence in the power of the vote to produce change,” she remarked.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the 426,531 registered voters—including a significant 18% living in the diaspora—will decide if Cape Verde continues its tradition of incumbent stability or chooses a new path for its presidency.
The Candidates
- José Maria Neves: Current President, supported by PAICV.
- Joana Rosa: Supported by MpD.
- Gilson Alves
- Casimiro de Pina
- Antero Tavares
- Loisito Sousa
Image: Pexels – Edmond Dantès
