Cape Verde President José Maria Neves has announced his intention to seek re-election for a second five-year term in the country’s November 15 presidential election.
Neves, 66, made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in the capital, Praia, where he said he wanted to use his experience in public office to advance the country’s development.
“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 served as Cape Verde’s prime minister from 2001 to 2016 before being elected president in 2021.
Following his decision to seek re-election, the president of the National Assembly, Janira Hopffer Almada, will serve as interim president for the next two months.
Nine people have so far declared their intention to contest the presidency. However, prospective candidates must submit the required documents to the country’s Constitutional Court before Wednesday.
Cape Verde’s presidential candidates are nominated by individuals from civil society, although political parties are permitted to endorse candidates. The country’s constitution requires the president to remain independent of political parties.
Neves said he would seek 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.
The Atlantic archipelago, with a population of about 520,000, is located roughly 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal.
A former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1975, Cape Verde has developed a reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
Since the introduction of multiparty democracy and the first free elections in 1991, the country has experienced relative political stability, with no major electoral violence reported.
Cape Verde has also witnessed periods of political cohabitation, including two five-year periods in which different political parties controlled the presidency and government.
Despite its democratic reputation and political stability, the country continues to face economic and social challenges, including poverty and high levels of youth unemployment.
The November election will therefore provide voters with an opportunity to determine whether Neves will remain in office for another five-year term or hand over the presidency to a new leader.
