Portugal PM Congratulates PAICV on Cape Verde Election Win
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has extended his congratulations to Francisco Carvalho, president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), following the party’s victory in the nation’s legislative elections. In a statement released on social media, Montenegro praised the democratic spirit of the Cape Verdean people and underscored the deep ties between the two nations.
A Shared Vision for Growth
“I congratulate Francisco Carvalho on the victory in the legislative elections in Cape Verde,” Montenegro posted on X (formerly Twitter). “In this new phase that now begins, I salute the democratic commitment of all Cape Verdeans and reiterate Portugal’s full availability to continue working and cooperating with a brother country.”
The Portuguese leader emphasized that the relationship between Lisbon and Praia extends beyond historical bonds, focusing on common future goals. “Beyond the strength of the bonds that unite us, we also share common priorities: more development, more prosperity, and more growth. For Portugal and for Cape Verde,” he added.
PAICV Claims Absolute Majority
While official results are still being finalized, the PAICV has already claimed an absolute majority in Parliament. Party sources indicate they have secured 37 of the 72 available seats. The victory marks a significant political shift for the archipelago, as Ulisses Correia e Silva, the outgoing Prime Minister and leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD), has officially conceded defeat after holding power since 2016.
As of Monday morning, data from the official election portal showed the PAICV leading with 46.7% of the vote (33 confirmed seats), followed by the MpD with 43.6% (30 confirmed seats). The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) currently holds two seats with 5.1% of the vote. Seven deputies remain to be assigned as the final polling stations are processed.
High Abstention Rates Spark Concern
Despite the smooth transition of power, the election was marked by a record-high abstention rate. Official figures indicate that 53.4% of eligible voters did not cast a ballot, a statistic that may pose a challenge for the incoming administration as it seeks to build a mandate for its new development agenda.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
