Voters in Cape Verde have gone to the polls to elect a new president, with incumbent President José Maria Neves seeking a second term in office amid expectations of a closely watched electoral contest.
Neves is facing competition from five opposition candidates, including Joana Rosa Amado, the country’s first female presidential candidate and a former Minister of Justice.
Amado is contesting the election with the backing of the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD), which governed the country for 10 years before losing power in the parliamentary elections held in May.
The election is taking place in Cape Verde, an island nation widely regarded as one of the most politically stable countries in West Africa, a region that has experienced several military takeovers and political uncertainties in recent years.
Although Neves is considered a strong contender, the contest has placed significant attention on the country’s economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment, the rising cost of living and the continued migration of young people in search of better opportunities abroad.
With more Cape Verdeans living outside the country than on the islands themselves, the issue of emigration has become a major concern during the campaign.
The presidential candidates have made job creation and the need to provide better opportunities for young people key parts of their campaign messages, recognising the growing concerns about the country’s ability to retain its youthful population.
Neves has pledged to organise a national youth summit during a second term to bring young people together and discuss issues affecting their future.
Amado, on the other hand, has argued that the government must create the necessary conditions for young people to build meaningful lives in Cape Verde rather than feeling compelled to leave the country in search of employment and improved living conditions.
More than 300,000 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election, with polling stations scheduled to close at 6pm local time on Sunday.
Provisional official results are expected within two to three days after voting ends.
The electoral process is also being monitored by approximately 150 international observers drawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).
Their presence is intended to support transparency and ensure that the electoral process meets democratic standards.
Under Cape Verde’s electoral system, a candidate must secure more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast to win the presidency in the first round.
Should none of the candidates achieve the required majority, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will proceed to a second-round election scheduled for November 29.
The outcome is expected to have implications for the country’s political direction, particularly as the next administration will be expected to address economic pressures and improve living conditions for citizens.
Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is an island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 600 kilometres off the western coast of Senegal.
The country consists of 10 volcanic islands and has developed a reputation as an attractive tourist destination, drawing visitors with its beaches, cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
Tourism has become one of the most important pillars of its economy, contributing significantly to economic growth and employment.
In July, the World Bank classified Cape Verde as an upper-middle-income country, reflecting improvements in its economic performance, particularly through the expansion of the tourism industry.
However, despite these gains, the country continues to face significant development challenges.
Persistent social inequality, geographical isolation and limited transport connections between the islands remain major concerns.
The high cost and limited availability of domestic air and sea transport have made movement between the islands difficult for residents and businesses, creating additional barriers to economic development.
Both leading candidates have therefore made improving transportation infrastructure a priority in their campaign promises.
They have pledged to introduce measures that will strengthen air and maritime connections between the islands, making travel more accessible and supporting economic activities across the archipelago.
Plans to develop additional tourist accommodation have also featured prominently in the campaign, as the candidates seek to attract more international visitors and increase revenue from the tourism sector.
For many voters, however, the immediate concerns go beyond tourism and economic growth.
The rising cost of living, increasing fuel prices and persistent youth unemployment remain among the most pressing issues confronting households.
These challenges have placed pressure on political leaders to demonstrate how their policies can translate into improved living conditions and greater economic opportunities.
Cape Verde has attracted international attention this year for several reasons, including the remarkable achievement of its national football team in reaching the knockout stages of its first FIFA World Cup.
The country also made headlines following the docking of a cruise ship carrying people affected by hantavirus, an incident that attracted international health and media attention.
Despite these developments, the presidential election remains a significant moment for the island nation as citizens decide who should lead the country through its next phase of development.
Beyond the political contest, the election presents an opportunity for voters to express their expectations on employment, economic stability, infrastructure development and the future of younger generations.
As counting gets underway, attention will turn to whether Neves can secure another term or whether Amado and the opposition can deliver a change in the country’s political leadership.
