Portuguese PS Leader Congratulates PAICV on Cape Verde Win
The Secretary-General of Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS) has extended his congratulations to Francisco Carvalho and the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) following their “expressive victory” in the nation’s legislative elections.
A ‘Sign of Hope’ for Cape Verde
In a message addressed to PAICV President Francisco Carvalho, PS leader Pedro Nuno Carneiro characterized the election results as a powerful “sign of hope” from the Cape Verdean people. He stated that the victory reflects a collective desire for governance “centered on people, social justice, and the strengthening of democracy.”
Carneiro noted that the win validates the trust citizens have placed in a political project designed to create a country that is “fairer, closer to the people, and provides real opportunities for all.”
Strengthening Historical Ties
The PS Secretary-General emphasized the “historical ties of friendship, cooperation, and shared progressive values” that bond the two parties. He expressed confidence that this new chapter in Cape Verde’s leadership would further deepen the development of the country and strengthen the long-standing connection between the Portuguese and Cape Verdean peoples.
“I am convinced that this new stage will contribute to deepening the development of Cape Verde and strengthening the historical bonds between our peoples,” Carneiro said, wishing the new leadership success in their upcoming responsibilities.
Election Results and Record Abstention
While official final results were still being finalized as of Tuesday morning, PAICV leadership has already declared an absolute majority in parliament. Party sources indicate they have secured 37 out of 72 available seats. Outgoing Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, leader of the Movement for Democracy (MpD) who had been in power since 2016, has already conceded and congratulated Carvalho on the victory.
Partial data from the official election portal shows the PAICV leading with 46.7% of the vote (33 deputies), followed by the MpD at 43.6% (30 deputies), and the Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) at 5.1% (2 deputies). Seven seats remain to be formally distributed as the final 24 polling stations are tallied.
Despite the decisive shift in power, the election was marked by a record-high abstention rate of 53.4%, highlighting a significant challenge for the incoming government in re-engaging the electorate.
Image: Pexels – Mikhail Nilov
