Cape Verde Election: President Neves Seeks Second Term
PRAIA, Cape Verde — President José Maria Neves is seeking a second term in Cape Verde’s presidential election this Sunday, framing the rising cost of living and the nation’s fractured transport system as the central pillars of his re-election bid.
In an interview with Lusa, the 66-year-old incumbent emphasized that while the presidency lacks executive power, the office must serve as a “watchful eye” to drive national solutions. Neves is aiming for a decisive first-round victory to secure the legitimacy needed to tackle the archipelago’s most pressing economic hurdles.
Tackling the Cost of Living
Neves identified skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation as his primary concerns, noting that these costs ripple through every sector of Cape Verdean society. “These increases reflect on companies, small businesses, agriculture, fishing, and the food people put on the table every day,” Neves said.
He signaled his intent to use the presidency to “inspire solutions” and pressure for measures that mitigate the impact of global price hikes on local families and businesses.
Solving the Connectivity Crisis
The second priority for Neves is the persistent challenge of inter-island transport. For a nation spread across ten islands, connectivity is not just a convenience but a prerequisite for economic survival. Neves described the issue as “fundamental” to achieving territorial cohesion and better wages.
“We need to accelerate the pace of transformation and inclusive growth,” Neves explained. “We need deep reforms in social security, education, health, and public administration.”
A Track Record of Stability
Neves, who served as Prime Minister for 15 years before ascending to the presidency in 2021, is campaigning on his extensive “national and international prestige.” He points to Cape Verde’s relationship with Portugal as a global gold standard for post-colonial cooperation, pledging to deepen ties in finance, science, and innovation.
Supported by the ruling African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Neves faces five challengers on the ballot. His primary opponent is former minister Joana Rosa, who carries the backing of the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD). The field also includes a judge, a doctor, a jurist, and a teacher.
History on His Side
In 2021, Neves secured the presidency in the first round with 51.8% of the vote. If he wins on Sunday, he will continue a long-standing tradition in Cape Verdean politics: since the introduction of universal suffrage, every incumbent president seeking a second term has been successfully re-elected.
As Cape Verdeans head to the polls, the choice remains between the seasoned experience of Neves and a field of candidates promising a fresh direction for the Atlantic nation.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
