Cape Verde Elections: UCID Unveils ‘Third Way’ Strategy
The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) has officially launched its bid for the May 17 legislative elections, positioning itself as a “third way” to break the decades-long duopoly of Cape Verde’s major political parties. During a press conference in Praia on April 6, party president João Santos Luís unveiled a platform centered on participatory democracy, decentralization, and digital transparency.
A Move Beyond Slogans
Rejecting traditional ideological labels, Luís promised a governance model driven by data and tangible results rather than rhetoric. “We promise a policy that can be seen, measured, and demanded,” Luís stated. “We promise a program based on evidence, not slogans, and to be present across the nine islands and in our immense diaspora with the same intensity.”
To address what he described as a “growing disbelief” in government institutions, the UCID leader proposed several radical shifts in how the country is run. Key proposals include the implementation of participatory budgeting and the launch of a digital platform allowing citizens to monitor government actions in real-time.
Challenging the Status Quo
Since Cape Verde held its first free elections in 1991, power has alternated exclusively between the Movement for Democracy (MpD) and the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). In the 2021 elections, the MpD secured an absolute majority with 38 seats, followed by the PAICV with 30, while UCID held just four seats in the 72-member parliament.
For the upcoming vote, UCID is promoting a diverse roster of 135 candidates. The party emphasized its commitment to youth and gender parity: 59 candidates are under the age of 35, and the list includes 74 men and 61 women from various professional backgrounds, including law, engineering, and education.
Key National and Diaspora Candidates
- São Vicente: João Santos Luís
- Santiago Sul: Alberto De Mello
- Santiago Norte: Adelgisa Monteiro
- Fogo: Casemiro de Pina
- Diaspora (Europe): Carlos Manuel Pires dos Santos
- Diaspora (Americas): Carlos Alberto Gomes da Silva
- Diaspora (Africa): Júlio César Mendes de Carvalho
Strategic Gaps and Future Outlook
Despite its national ambitions, UCID will not field candidates in the districts of Boa Vista, Maio, or Brava. Luís attributed this to “human resource limitations” and more systemic issues. He claimed that while the party attempted to finalize lists until the last minute, their efforts were hampered by organizational hurdles and a “fear of reprisals” among potential candidates in those regions.
As the May 17 election approaches, the political battle lines are clear. The incumbent MpD, led by Ulisses Correia e Silva, seeks a third term, while the PAICV is rallying behind Praia Mayor Francisco Carvalho. UCID hopes its focus on island autonomy and community-led governance will resonate with voters looking for a change from the established political order.
Image: Pexels – Drew Anderson
