Cape Verde shifts left as PAICV wins landmark election

Praia, Cape Verde – The opposition PAICV has swept to power in Sunday’s legislative elections, ending a decade of centre-right MpD rule. Francisco Carvalho, the party leader and outgoing mayor of Praia, claims an absolute parliamentary majority.

Outgoing Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva conceded defeat and resigned as MpD chief. Voter turnout hit a record low, with only half of the 400,000 registered voters casting ballots.

Carvalho, whose centre-left party secured at least 33 of 72 seats (with seven diaspora seats still to count), promised “major social reforms” and a “new Cape Verde for all.” He called the result a clear mandate to open a “new chapter.”

The peaceful transfer of power underscores Cape Verde’s reputation as an African democratic beacon. No electoral violence has marred its history since 1991.

The presidential election follows in November, with incumbent José Maria Neves backed by the PAICV seeking a second term. Analysts note rising populism and institutional mistrust as key challenges ahead.