PRAIA, Cape Verde — President José Maria Neves has announced his intention to seek a second five-year term in office as Cape Verde prepares for presidential elections scheduled for November 15.
Neves, 66, made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in the capital, Praia, saying he wanted to use his experience in public service to contribute to the country’s future.
“I will run for a new five-year term to put the experience I have gained at the service of the future, to champion causes I have pursued and which cannot be circumscribed to one sole election cycle and to build a victorious and prosperous nation,” he said.
Neves was elected president in 2021 after serving as Cape Verde’s prime minister from 2001 to 2016.
Following his declaration, President of the National Assembly Janira Hopffer Almada is expected to serve as interim president for the next two months, according to the country’s constitutional arrangements.
More Read
At least nine people have already announced their intention to contest the presidency. However, prospective candidates must submit the necessary documentation to Cape Verde’s Constitutional Court before Wednesday to formalise their candidacies.
Unlike parliamentary elections, presidential candidates in Cape Verde are nominated by individuals from civil society. Political parties can endorse candidates, but the president is constitutionally required to remain independent of political parties.
More Read
Neves has indicated that he is seeking the backing of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), which he previously led, while also appealing for support beyond the party’s traditional base.
Cape Verde, an Atlantic archipelago of about 520,000 people, is located roughly 600 kilometres off the coast of West Africa.
The former Portuguese colony gained independence in 1975 and has since earned a reputation as one of Africa’s strongest democratic success stories.
The country has held competitive elections since 1991 without experiencing major electoral violence. It has also witnessed periods of political cohabitation, with different political parties controlling the presidency and government.
Despite its democratic stability, Cape Verde continues to face significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and high youth unemployment.
More Read
The November election is therefore expected to test not only Neves’ political standing but also the country’s ability to address pressing economic and social concerns while maintaining its democratic reputation.
