Cape Verde Election: PM Correia e Silva Seeks Third Term
Cape Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva has officially launched his bid for a third term, positioning himself as a “crisis-tested” leader capable of steering the archipelago through global instability toward high-income status.
The leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), who has governed since 2016, enters the 2026 race emphasizing his administration’s resilience. In an interview with the Lusa news agency, Correia e Silva highlighted his record in managing the “triple shock” of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation fueled by the war in Ukraine, and a prolonged domestic drought.
“The first priority is to continue protecting Cape Verdeans in contexts that are still very difficult,” the Prime Minister stated, citing the ongoing war in the Middle East as a fresh source of global unpredictability. “We must be ready to face the storms.”
From Stability to Prosperity
After the World Bank elevated Cape Verde to “upper-middle-income” status in 2025, Correia e Silva is now setting his sights on the “high-income” tier. He argues that this isn’t just a statistical milestone, but a roadmap to “higher disposable income for families.”
To achieve this, the Prime Minister is leaning on fiscal policy. His government has already slashed VAT on electricity and water from 15% to 8%, and he plans to further reduce it to 6%. He also aims to implement tax-driven housing solutions to counter the pressure of the tourism-driven short-term rental market.
While tourism remains the primary engine of the economy, the Prime Minister rejected the idea that the country is over-reliant on just one sector. He pointed to growth in the maritime economy and the digital sector, bolstered by the European Union’s “Global Gateway” investment package, as evidence of a diversifying economy.
Addressing Domestic Challenges
The incumbent faces hurdles, including a lingering energy crisis that caused blackouts in the capital, Praia, late last year, and persistent issues with inter-island transportation. Correia e Silva remains undeterred, promising new vessels for remote islands like Brava and a “strong investment in energy transition” to reach 50% renewable energy by 2030.
On the sensitive issue of emigration, which has drained local labor from the tourism and construction sectors, the Prime Minister took a pragmatic stance. He argued against “administrative restrictions” on movement, predicting that emigration will naturally stabilize as domestic growth continues.
A Battle Against Populism
The election is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown with his main rival, Francisco Carvalho. The Mayor of Praia and leader of the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) has become a vocal critic of the administration.
Correia e Silva did not mince words regarding his opponent, accusing Carvalho of “populism” and “selling easy fixes” that threaten the country’s democratic fabric. “He doesn’t let anyone sleep soundly regarding democracy,” the Prime Minister said, warning that Cape Verde must not become “fertile ground” for social division.
At 63, the former Finance Minister and central banker is betting that voters will choose the continuity of his “safe hands” over the uncertainty of the opposition. Since the birth of Cape Verdean democracy in 1991, power has shifted exclusively between the MpD and PAICV, both of which have historically governed with absolute majorities.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
