Judge Antero Tavares Joins Cape Verde Presidential Race
Judge Antero Tavares has officially suspended his judicial duties to enter the race for the Presidency of Cape Verde, positioning himself as a neutral arbiter capable of breaking the country’s long-standing partisan divide. In an interview with Lusa, the 58-year-old jurist argued that his professional background makes him the ideal candidate to foster national consensus.
A ‘Referee’ for the Nation
“The most important thing is for the referee to be fair and neutral. I bring these values directly from the judiciary,” Tavares said. He believes that for a President to successfully mediate major national issues, they must maintain a strict distance from political parties. “Consensus requires trust,” he added, explaining that his campaign motto, “The truth that sets you free and united to grow,” reflects this philosophy.
Cape Verde operates under a semi-presidential system where the President wields the “power of influence” rather than executive control. Tavares emphasized that he does not intend to “overshadow” the government’s actions. Instead, he aims for a relationship of “cordiality and serenity” to ensure institutional stability.
Breaking the Two-Party Grip
Historically, Cape Verde’s presidents have emerged from one of the two dominant political forces: the ruling African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) or the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD). Tavares argues that the electorate is now “crying out for someone who brings balance.”
He rejects the notion that a President should come from the opposition to check the government, or from the ruling party to align with it. According to Tavares, true balance comes from total independence.
Faith and Youth Stability
A graduate of the University of Coimbra and a professor in the capital city of Praia, Tavares also spoke openly about his Christian faith. While he clarified that he does not wish to impose religion, he believes the country lacks a “spirituality” that could provide moral guidance for the younger generation.
Reflecting on his experience in the courts, he noted that a lack of spiritual grounding has contributed to social instability. He recalled his own youth, where a sense of moral accountability “helped straighten one’s path.” Tavares also hopes to inspire “hopeless” young people to build their futures at home rather than seeking to emigrate.
A Competitive Field
Tavares is one of six candidates vying for the presidency this Sunday. The ballot includes:
- Antero Tavares: Judge and academic.
- José Maria Neves: The incumbent President, seeking a second term with PAICV support.
- Joana Rosa: Former minister, supported by the opposition MpD.
- Casimiro Pina: Jurist.
- Gilson Alves: Medical doctor.
- Loisito Sousa: Independent candidate.
The incumbent, José Maria Neves, won the 2021 election in the first round with 51.8% of the vote. History favors the incumbent in Cape Verde; every president elected by universal suffrage who has sought a second term has been re-elected. However, Tavares is betting that his message of judicial neutrality will be the catalyst for a new era in Cape Verdean politics.
On the international stage, Tavares signaled that he would use the presidency to bolster trade and security, identifying Portugal as the nation’s “number one” partner.
Image: Pexels – Sora Shimazaki
