Praia (Cape Verde) (AFP) – Cape Verdeans are called to elect their new president on Sunday in a vote in which the outgoing José María Neves, candidate for a second term, is the favorite, in this archipelago renowned for its democratic stability, an exception in a troubled region.

Published on: 10/11/2026 - 12:32 Modified on: 10/11/2026 - 12:46

Cape Verde experienced two events in 2026 that propelled it onto the international scene: the immobilization in May off the coast of its capital of a cruise ship harboring hantavirus, and the historic journey of its football team for its very first participation in the World Cup.

Located in the middle of the Atlantic, about 600 kilometers off the coast of Senegal, this Portuguese-speaking archipelago has ten volcanic islands and is attracting more and more tourists.

Unlike several of its West African neighbors where presidential elections have been tense in recent years, Cape Verde is an exception in terms of political stability and good governance.

It is considered a model of democracy in Africa and is distinguished by the vigor of its economic growth. The country is renowned for its "morabeza" (hospitality, in Creole), its openness to the world and its mixing, its carnivals. It is also the cradle of unique music.

The archipelago has a semi-presidential system in which the executive is dominated by the Prime Minister.

The head of state does not govern and acts more as an arbiter, guarantor of the unity of the country and respect for the Constitution. He appoints the Prime Minister based on the results of the legislative elections and represents the country abroad.

Among the six candidates in the running on Sunday, two are favorites: outgoing President José María Neves, 66, and lawyer and former Minister of Justice Joana Rosa Amado, 61, the first woman candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Cape Verde.

They are each supported by the country's two main parties.

Mr. Neves was elected president in 2021, after having served as mayor, deputy and having been from 2001 to 2016 Prime Minister and president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).

Mr. Neves benefits from the support of the PAICV, which won the legislative elections of May 17.

During the public presentation of his candidacy, he promised to put his experience "at the service of Cape Verde's future challenges, to anticipate transformations and to strengthen political consensus in these difficult times."

“Listen to Cape Verde”

Joana Rosa Amado is supported by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), the main opposition party.

Its slogan is: “Listen to Cape Verde”. This does not “mean promising everything, but rather knowing the real concerns and expectations of the population,” she said when presenting her candidacy.

“The election of a woman to the presidency would show many young women and girls that no state function is forbidden to them,” she told the press.

Other candidates include a 45-year-old surgeon, Gilson Alves, who promises to be an authoritarian president and fight corruption. He is in favor of allowing gun ownership and reinstating the death penalty.

In July 2025, Cape Verde was officially classified as an upper middle-income country by the World Bank, thanks to its economic growth driven by the tourism sector and a 16.8% increase in gross national income per capita between 2023 and 2024.

But the country faces many challenges, including persistent social inequalities, landlockedness and lack of affordable service to travel between islands.

If elected, the main candidates have promised measures to improve maritime and air links between the islands and in favor of the construction of new tourist accommodation.

One of the major concerns of the population is the significant increase in the cost of living and the price of fuel, and youth unemployment.

Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, many young Cape Verdeans, including graduates or those with professional training, have emigrated and continue to emigrate abroad, causing a labor shortage, particularly in the key tourism sector.

One of the themes of the campaign was therefore how to create employment opportunities for them in the archipelago.

© 2026 AFP

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