Cape Verde Elections: PAICV Unveils Candidates to Rescue Nation
Cape Verde’s main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), has unveiled a transformative candidate list for the upcoming May 17 legislative elections. Boasting a 70% renewal rate, the party is positioning itself as a fresh force ready to “rescue the country” and restore its development momentum.
During a press conference in the capital city of Praia on Tuesday, PAICV Secretary-General Vladmir Silves Ferreira emphasized that the party’s new direction is reflected in its people. “Comparing with the current legislature, the list as a whole has more than 70% new faces,” Ferreira stated. “We have managed to harmonize youth with experience, bringing together people with solid track records alongside new voices and renewed energy.”
A Diverse and Youthful Front
The party’s strategy focuses on a demographic shift, with approximately 20% of the candidates under the age of 40. Beyond age, the list spans a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. The party also moved to exceed legal requirements for gender representation, appointing women to lead five of the 13 electoral districts.
“More than just fulfilling a legal obligation, we are asserting our commitment to equality and the decisive role of women in the country’s development,” Ferreira added.
Of the 13 list leaders, six are first-time parliamentary candidates, a move the party says demonstrates its openness to civil society and its capacity for leadership renewal.
The Battle for the Premiership
Leading the charge is Francisco Carvalho, the current PAICV president and two-term Mayor of Praia. Carvalho will head the list for the Santiago South district as the party’s candidate for Prime Minister. Upon formalizing his candidacy on Tuesday, Carvalho expressed confidence in his “extraordinary team.”
“The mission is to win Cape Verde and rescue the archipelago,” Carvalho said. “It is time to renew hope and bring concrete measures to put the lives of Cape Verdeans back on track.”
Regional and Diaspora Leaders
The PAICV has fielded candidates across all 13 electoral districts, including three representing the global diaspora. Key appointments include:
- Incumbent MPs: Rosa Rocha (Santo Antão), João do Carmo (São Vicente), and Clóvis Silva (Brava).
- Regional Political Leaders: Magui Almeida Silva (São Nicolau), Carlos Andrade (Sal), and Luís Nunes (Fogo).
- Municipal Leaders: Marézia Lima (Boa Vista), Adelaide Brito (Maio), and João Brito (Santiago North).
- Diaspora Leaders: Gisele Lopes (Africa), Francisco Pereira (Europe and rest of world), and Alberto Rodrigues (Americas).
The Political Stakes
The May 17 election marks a critical juncture for Cape Verde. In the 2021 elections, the Movement for Democracy (MpD) secured an absolute majority with 38 of the 72 parliamentary seats. The PAICV currently holds 30 seats, while the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) holds four.
The incumbent Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva of the MpD, is campaigning for a third consecutive term. Since Cape Verde’s transition to multi-party democracy in 1991, the MpD and PAICV have remained the two dominant political forces, alternating control of the government for over three decades.
Image: Pexels – Christian Wasserfallen
