Cape Verde PM Concedes Election Defeat and Resigns
PRAIA, Cape Verde – In a significant shift for one of Africa’s most stable democracies, Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva conceded defeat in the national legislative elections on Sunday night. Following the loss, he announced his immediate resignation as president of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), marking the end of a long political era.
Addressing supporters at the MpD national headquarters in Praia, Correia e Silva confirmed he had reached out to the leader of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) to offer his congratulations. “I called the president of PAICV to congratulate him on the result and to wish him success in governance,” he said.
A Commitment to a Smooth Transition
Despite the loss, the outgoing Prime Minister emphasized the strength of Cape Verde’s democratic institutions. He pledged that the MpD would serve as a “responsible opposition” and promised a seamless handover of power.
“The handover of portfolios will be handled normally, as it should be in a democracy,” Correia e Silva stated. “This demonstrates once again that Cape Verde is a mature democracy that respects institutional rules.”
Stepping Down for New Leadership
Correia e Silva made it clear that he will not seek to lead the party through its next chapter. By resigning the presidency of the MpD, he aims to clear the path for a total internal renewal.
“I will not just make my position available; I will submit my resignation so the party can choose a new president, new bodies, and new leaders,” he declared. Reflecting on his career—which included stints as Prime Minister, Mayor of Praia, and member of parliament—he added, “There is life beyond politics. It is time to make way for others.”
Low Voter Turnout Sparks Concern
A shadow over the election was the high abstention rate, which reached approximately 53.3%. Correia e Silva noted that this lack of participation would require deep internal reflection by the party to understand the electorate’s motivations.
“Life goes on,” he concluded, calling for a reduction in political tension. “Now that the elections are over, we must return to normalcy and focus on the essential, which is moving the country forward.”
The Election Results
According to provisional data from electoral authorities, the PAICV secured the win with 88,390 votes (46.6%), earning 33 seats in the 72-seat parliament. The MpD followed with 82,946 votes (43.7%) and 30 seats. The Cape Verdean Independent and Democratic Union (UCID) captured 9,791 votes (5.2%), securing two deputies.
Image: Pexels – Adem Erkoç
