CPLP to Observe Cape Verde Legislative Elections
The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) will deploy an official Election Observation Mission (EOM) to oversee Cape Verde’s legislative elections this Sunday, the organization announced on Monday.
Experienced Leadership and Broad Oversight
Led by Carlos Carreiras, the former mayor of the Portuguese city of Cascais, the 21-member delegation includes observers from CPLP member states, the organization’s Parliamentary Assembly, and executive secretariat staff. The mission, arriving at the archipelago’s invitation, will remain on the ground from Thursday through May 21.
The observers face a busy schedule, with planned briefings involving government officials, resident ambassadors, and representatives from the various political parties. They will also coordinate with local election administrators and other international monitoring teams.
Monitoring the Democratic Process
In accordance with international standards, the CPLP team will monitor the final days of campaigning, the opening of polling stations, the casting of ballots, and the subsequent counting and tabulation of results. The mission plans to release a preliminary statement shortly after the election to share its findings with the public.
The Stakes: A Growth in Voters and a Tight Race
Approximately 419,755 voters are registered for Sunday’s poll—a 7% increase since the 2021 elections. The political landscape is dominated by a high-stakes battle between the country’s two largest parties:
- Ulisses Correia e Silva: The sitting Prime Minister and leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), who has governed since 2016, is seeking a third consecutive term.
- Francisco Carvalho: The current mayor of the capital and leader of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), who is campaigning to return the main opposition force to power.
The Democratic and Independent Cape Verdean Union (UCID) is also expected to play a crucial role, potentially acting as a “kingmaker” should neither major party secure an absolute majority in parliament.
Image: Pexels – Edmond Dantès
