UCID Leader Aims to Shatter Cape Verde’s Absolute Majorities
PRAIA, Cape Verde — The Independent and Democratic Cape Verdean Union (UCID) is aiming to shatter the long-standing era of absolute majorities in the National Assembly, with party leader João Santos Luís vowing to transform the parliament into a true “center of power.”
In an interview with Lusa ahead of the May 17 legislative elections, Santos Luís argued that his party’s steady growth—from two deputies in 2011 to four in 2021—is proof that its “persistent legwork” is resonating with voters. However, he maintained that real change will only happen if the country breaks away from the dominance of the two major parties: the ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) and the opposition African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
Challenging the ‘Myth’ of Poverty
“Absolute majorities have been decimating the country’s development,” Santos Luís said, dismissing the narrative that the archipelago is resource-poor. “Cape Verde is not a poor country. What is poor is the mindset of successive rulers.”
The UCID leader pointed to the nation’s vast maritime territory, abundant sun, and wind as untapped engines for growth. Despite these resources, he lamented that the country still imports 90% of what it consumes and that over 100,000 citizens—nearly 20% of the population—live in absolute poverty. “This is unacceptable,” he noted. “Many things have been failing.”
A Platform for Reform
Central to UCID’s campaign is a push for decentralization and economic restructuring. Santos Luís criticized the “totally centralized power” in the capital, Praia, arguing that other islands lack the autonomy needed to develop their specific potential. To stimulate the economy, he proposed a multi-year plan to reduce customs duties, which currently account for 60% of the state budget.
“Our tax policy is an enemy of investment, suffocating economic operators,” he said. By lowering these costs, he believes companies can “build critical mass, expand investments, and generate wealth and jobs.”
The party is also calling for a constitutional revision to give the Cape Verdean diaspora—which is three times larger than the resident population—a stronger voice. Currently, the diaspora elects only six of the 72 deputies. Santos Luís argues that these citizens represent more than just financial remittances; they are a vital source of knowledge and global investment.
The Potential Kingmaker
Should the May 17 election result in a hung parliament, UCID is prepared to act as the kingmaker. While Santos Luís declined to say whether he feels closer to the MpD or the PAICV, he insisted the party would be a “responsible force” rather than a destructive one.
“UCID is closer to the people of Cape Verde,” he stated, refusing to rule out parliamentary support agreements or coalitions. “I am hopeful we will cause a break with the past, creating the conditions for a 50-year strategic development plan. We have the conditions; what we lack is determination and courage.”
Image: Pexels – Yunus Emre Ilıca
