Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves is seeking re-election for a second five-year term in Sunday’s presidential election, following his party’s victory in the legislative elections held in May.
Neves, of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), is considered the frontrunner in the election, which could strengthen the party’s control of government.
Neves, who previously served as prime minister for 15 years from 2001, said his first presidential term focused on reaching citizens across the country’s islands and its diaspora in Africa and the United States.
He pledged that a second term would prioritise youth employment, inclusive economic growth, improved wages and better living standards.
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Neves also proposed a youth convention to address employment challenges and a development forum to identify the country’s priorities up to 2050.
His main challenger is former Justice Minister, Joana Rosa, of the opposition Movement for Democracy (MpD), who is the first woman to contest the country’s presidency.
Rosa has pledged to create more opportunities for young people at home, attract foreign investment and promote a balance of power in government.
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She said the continued migration of young people was creating domestic challenges and slowing the country’s development.
Cape Verde operates a semi-presidential system in which the prime minister heads the government, while the president exercises constitutional powers, including veto authority and a mediating role.
PAICV secured 37 of the 72 seats in the May legislative elections, paving the way for its candidate, Francisco Carvalho, to become prime minister.
The Movement for Democracy, which had governed the country for 10 years before the election, is seeking to regain political influence through Rosa’s presidential bid.
Cape Verde, an island nation located off the west coast of Africa, has a population of about 500,000.
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