Cape Verde Election Campaign: President Neves Rallies Voters
As Cape Verde officially kicks off its legislative election campaign today, President José Maria Neves is calling on the nation to reject voter apathy and take an active role in shaping the country’s future. In a speech broadcast by Rádio de Cabo Verde (RCV), Neves emphasized that a healthy democracy depends entirely on the engagement of its citizens.
‘Those Who Do Not Vote, Do Not Choose’
“It is necessary for everyone to participate actively in debates, analyze the proposals of different political actors, and make choices according to their dreams and expectations,” the President stated. He warned that rising abstention rates serve only to weaken democratic institutions, reminding the public that “those who do not vote, do not choose.”
Neves urged voters to monitor the electoral process closely, describing the act of voting not just as a right, but as a fundamental expression of commitment to the nation.
Voter Priorities: Jobs, Health, and Safety
In the capital city of Praia, the local atmosphere is charged as major political parties prepare for large-scale rallies. Cape Verdeans interviewed by Lusa identified unemployment, healthcare access, and public security as the most pressing issues they want candidates to address before the polls open on May 17.
The political landscape remains dominated by two major forces: the Movement for Democracy (MpD), which currently holds 38 parliamentary seats, and the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), with 30 seats. These two parties have alternated in power since the country transitioned to a multi-party system in 1991.
The Race for Parliament
Beyond the two giants, the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) seeks to expand its current four-seat presence. Smaller parties, including the Popular Party (PP) and the People, Work and Solidarity (PTS) party, are also contesting in six of the country’s 13 electoral districts.
According to the National Elections Commission (CNE), 48 candidate lists from five parties have been validated for the race. The 72-seat National Assembly is distributed across the islands and the diaspora:
- Santiago Island: 33 deputies
- Remaining Islands: 33 deputies
- Diaspora: 6 deputies
Election officials expect a significant turnout this year, with voter registration growing by approximately 7% since 2021. Roughly 419,700 people are registered to vote, with the largest growth in participation coming from Cape Verdeans living abroad.
Image: Pexels – Fatima Yusuf
