Cape Verde Appoints New PM Francisco Carvalho Following PAICV Win
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves is expected to officially appoint Francisco Carvalho as the nation’s new Prime Minister this Wednesday. The move follows the May 17 legislative elections, which saw the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) reclaim leadership of the archipelago.
A Peaceful Transfer of Power
The appointment marks a significant political shift, ending a decade of governance by the Movement for Democracy (MpD). Despite the change in leadership, President Neves expressed total confidence in the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions.
“I will meet with the political parties represented in parliament and should, subsequently, appoint the new Prime Minister tomorrow,” Neves told reporters during a visit to the capital city of Praia. “It will certainly be a peaceful transition; that is the tradition here in Cape Verde.”
Election Results and Parliamentary Makeup
The National Elections Commission (CNE) recently finalized the results, confirming an absolute majority for the PAICV. The party secured 37 of the 72 seats in the National Assembly. The outgoing MpD will hold 33 seats, while the Cape Verdean Independent and Democratic Union (UCID) will be represented by two deputies.
While the PAICV celebrates its return to power, the election also highlighted a growing disconnect with the electorate. Official data revealed a record-breaking abstention rate, with 53.5% of registered voters—more than half the population—failing to cast a ballot.
A More Balanced Assembly
The incoming five-year legislature will see a near-equal gender balance, consisting of 38 men and 34 women. This follows a period of legal and social efforts in Cape Verde to increase female representation in high-level governance.
With the final results now published, the constitutional clock is ticking. President Neves must finalize consultations with political parties, and the newly formed parliament is required to hold its first official session within the next 20 days.
Image: Pexels – Max Avans
