PAICV’s ‘Yellow Wave’ Rallies for Change in Cape Verde
Amid thunderous chants of “change” and a sea of yellow flags, hundreds of supporters for Cape Verde’s main opposition party, PAICV, flooded the streets of the capital today. With only seven days remaining until the legislative elections, Prime Minister candidate Francisco Carvalho led a high-energy march through Praia, promising an “eye-to-eye” commitment to a population demanding urgent reforms in security and healthcare.
The ‘Yellow Wave’ Hits the Capital
Under a blistering sun, the “yellow wave” surged through neighborhoods like Achada São Filipe and the security-sensitive district of Ponta d’Água. Carvalho, walking hand-in-hand with his wife, navigated narrow alleyways to embrace supporters and listen to the grievances of residents watching from their doorsteps.
“We need change,” one elderly resident told the candidate, citing rising violence and poor access to clinics as her primary concerns. Carvalho responded by asking if housing was also a priority; when met with a resounding “yes,” he pledged to address the crisis, earning a sharp warning from the voter that she would hold him personally accountable if he wins.
A Platform of Reform
As sound trucks blasted the party’s core promises—including free higher education, more affordable housing, and the elimination of medical consultation fees—Carvalho positioned himself as the antidote to the current administration. His platform focuses heavily on reducing the cost of living and stimulating youth employment to curb the country’s “brain drain.”
Near the end of the route, the candidate—who currently serves as the Mayor of Praia—accused the ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) of manipulative tactics. He alleged the government keeps citizens in a state of dependency and “saves money to buy votes” during election cycles. “We want to build a ‘new State’ and a fresh start free from manipulation,” Carvalho declared to the crowd.
The Battle for the National Assembly
The May 17 elections represent a critical juncture for Cape Verde. PAICV is looking to capitalize on its massive success in the December 2024 municipal elections, where it seized control of 15 out of 22 municipalities. Carvalho himself is riding a wave of local popularity, having won the Praia mayoralty with 62% of the vote.
Since 1991, Cape Verdean politics has been dominated by the flip-flop of power between the MpD and PAICV. While smaller parties like the UCID, the Popular Party, and the PTS are also competing, the race remains a high-stakes duel between the two giants. For Carvalho, the energy on the streets is a sign of a shifting tide. “Cape Verdeans believe again that it is possible to do better,” he said. “On every island and in the diaspora, we feel this energy.”
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
