International Observers Monitor Cape Verde Presidential Election
Cape Verde is preparing for its presidential elections this Sunday under the watchful eyes of approximately 150 international observers. The National Elections Commission (CNE) confirmed today that six global and regional organizations have deployed missions to monitor the democratic process across the Atlantic archipelago.
International Oversight
The monitoring effort includes representatives from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Additionally, missions from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the Network of Jurisdictional and Electoral Administration Bodies of the CPLP (ROJAE-CPLP), and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) will be on the ground.
Historically, these missions have lauded Cape Verde for its stable democratic transitions. Following the legislative elections in May, the ECOWAS mission—the largest of the groups—noted that despite minor operational hurdles, the process adhered to international best practices. However, observers continue to urge the government to improve voter turnout and streamline logistics.
The Candidates and the Stakes
Six candidates are vying for the presidency this year. The incumbent, President José Maria Neves, is seeking a second term with the backing of the ruling African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). History is on his side; since the introduction of universal suffrage, every Cape Verdean president who has sought a second term has successfully won re-election.
His primary challenger is former Minister of Justice Joana Rosa, supported by the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD). The field is rounded out by four other contenders: physician Gilson Alves, jurist Casimiro Pina, judge Antero Tavares, and teacher Loisito Sousa.
Voter Participation and History
Approximately 426,500 voters are registered to cast ballots, with a significant 18% (roughly 76,900) residing in the diaspora. A major concern for candidates and observers alike is the high rate of abstention, which reached 52% during the 2021 presidential cycle.
In the 2021 election, Neves secured a decisive first-round victory with 51.8% of the vote, defeating Carlos Veiga of the MpD, who garnered 42.4%. Sunday’s vote will determine if Neves can maintain that mandate or if the island nation will see a shift in political leadership.
Image: Pexels – Sora Shimazaki
