Joana Rosa Eyes Historic Win as Cape Verde’s First Female President
Joana Rosa is aiming to shatter the glass ceiling in Cape Verdean politics. The 61-year-old former Justice Minister is vying to become the archipelago’s first female president in the upcoming election this Sunday, promising a presidency defined by diplomatic vigor and domestic independence.
In an interview with Lusa, Rosa emphasized that her vision extends far beyond the nation’s borders. A key pillar of her platform is the revitalization of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Recalling her role in the 2021 Mobility Agreement, Rosa warned that the organization must not be allowed to stagnate.
A Bold Vision for Diplomacy
“The CPLP cannot die,” Rosa stated firmly. “The underlying objectives behind the community’s creation must be increasingly reinvigorated, and it will be up to the Head of State of Cape Verde to take that initiative.”
Rosa believes the CPLP should be a global force, championing shared languages and cultures while tackling common problems on the international stage. She argues that Cape Verde, with its high global rankings in democracy, judicial independence, and press freedom, is perfectly positioned to lead by example.
“We cannot simply be on good terms with everyone and not have an opinion,” she said, noting that the President must project the country’s values abroad and consistently defend the self-determination of peoples.
Independence Over Partisanship
Domestically, Rosa is positioning herself as a unifying figure who can rise above the fray of party politics. Though she is supported by the Movement for Democracy (MpD)—currently the opposition party—she pledged to exercise the presidency with strict independence.
“I will not be an adversary to the Government,” she promised. “A President of the Republic does not solve problems directly but contributes to their resolution. I will exercise the presidency in an independent manner, without being subject to the whims of political parties.”
Rosa, a law graduate from the island of Maio, views the Presidency as the “guardian of the Constitution.” She believes that for the office to maintain its authority and respect, it must remain situated at a “high level,” fostering consensus within a pluralistic society.
Strengthening Ties with Portugal
Turning to bilateral relations, Rosa highlighted the strong bond with Portugal but insisted there is room for growth, particularly regarding the Cape Verdean diaspora. She expressed a desire to see young Cape Verdeans better integrated into Portuguese society, promising to use her influence to advocate for them at the highest levels of the Portuguese government.
The Path to Sunday’s Vote
Rosa is one of six candidates appearing on Sunday’s ballot. She faces a significant challenge in incumbent President José Maria Neves, who is seeking a second term with the support of the ruling African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
History favors the incumbent; since Cape Verde began electing presidents by universal suffrage, every leader who has sought a second term has been re-elected. However, Rosa remains optimistic, hoping to win in the first round. While she recognizes the historic nature of her candidacy, she asks voters to judge her on her record and vision rather than gender alone.
The ballot features a diverse field, including jurist Casimiro Pina, judge Antero Tavares, and physician Gilson Alves. As the nation heads to the polls, all eyes are on whether Rosa can break the incumbent streak and become the first woman to lead the nation.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
