Three Vie for Leadership of Cape Verde’s MpD Party
Three high-profile contenders have officially entered the race to lead Cape Verde’s Movement for Democracy (MpD), marking a pivotal moment for the country’s main opposition party as it seeks to rebuild following a bruising electoral defeat.
The party source confirmed to Lusa that the deadline for submissions closed Wednesday, setting the stage for an internal election on September 6. The vacancy follows the departure of long-time leader Ulisses Correia e Silva, who stepped down after the MpD lost its parliamentary majority in the May 17 legislative elections. Silva, who served as Prime Minister for two terms, has also retired from active political life.
The Contenders
The race features a mix of former cabinet members and local government leaders, each offering a different strategy for the party’s future:
- Luís Filipe Tavares: The former Minister of Foreign Affairs is running under the slogan “Caring for the MpD, Correcting the Course, and Winning Again.” His platform focuses heavily on internal reorganization to regain voter trust.
- Paulo Veiga: The former MpD parliamentary leader is campaigning on “A Vision that Unites,” emphasizing a return to the party’s historical roots and founding principles.
- Hermínio Fernandes: The Mayor of São Miguel, on the island of Santiago, represents a push for generational change. His platform centers on unity, renewal, and a comprehensive reconstruction of the party apparatus.
The Road to the Convention
The September 6 vote will determine the new president of the MpD National Political Commission (CPN) and select delegates for the 14th National Convention. Voting is scheduled to take place between 09:00 and 16:00, with electoral rolls being finalized this week.
The election serves as the final hurdle before the National Convention, scheduled for September 25–27, where the party will formally install its new leadership and chart its path as the primary opposition to the governing African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
A Party in Transition
The MpD currently holds 33 seats in the 72-member National Assembly, trailing the PAICV, which secured an absolute majority of 37 seats. During this interim period, the party has been led by former Minister Eurico Monteiro, who stepped in to manage the transition after Silva’s resignation.
The outcome of this leadership battle will decide how the MpD challenges Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho’s government and whether it can successfully modernize its image before the next national election cycle.
Image: Pexels – Thuong D
