Cape Verdeans went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president, with incumbent President Jose Neves seeking a second term against the country’s first female presidential candidate, Joana Amado, in the West African island nation.
Voting was scheduled to close at 1900 GMT, with provisional results expected overnight.
After casting his ballot, Neves expressed confidence in the country’s democratic process, saying, “I am proud of Cape Verde and of our democracy,” while urging citizens to participate in the election.
The poll has attracted about 420,000 eligible voters, with approximately 150 observers from the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the European Union monitoring the exercise.
In the capital, Praia, 55-year-old Adilia Gomes said she had voted and planned to attend a church service.
“I believe everything will go well,” she said.
Another voter, 31-year-old Kenny Lima, described the exercise as peaceful after voting early in the afternoon.
“Later, I’ll go and watch the results on the telly or online,” he added.
Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, lies about 600 kilometres off the coast of Senegal.
The country has gained international recognition for its democratic stability and is also a growing tourist destination.
The country attracted global attention this year after its national football team qualified for the knockout stages of its first World Cup.
It also made headlines when a cruise ship carrying people infected with hantavirus docked off its coast.
Stability, hospitality
Cape Verde has maintained a reputation for political stability and good governance, distinguishing itself from several West African countries that have experienced tense presidential elections in recent years.
The country is widely regarded as one of Africa’s democratic success stories, with its economic growth and governance record receiving international recognition.
According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s 2026 index on global governance, Cape Verde ranks third among 54 African countries.
The island nation is also known for its hospitality, locally described as “morabeza,” as well as its cultural openness, carnivals and distinctive music.
Cape Verde operates a semi-presidential system in which the prime minister exercises most executive powers, while the president serves largely as a constitutional arbiter and symbol of national unity.
The president also represents the country internationally and appoints the prime minister based on the outcome of legislative elections.
Frontrunners
Neves and Amado are considered the leading contenders among the six candidates contesting Sunday’s election.
Neves, 66, was first elected president in 2021.
He previously served as prime minister between 2001 and 2016 and was president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde.
His political career also includes positions as a mayor and lawmaker.
He is backed by the PAICV, which won the legislative elections in May.
At a campaign rally earlier in the week, Neves emphasised the need for experienced leadership, saying, “In these times of international uncertainty, it is essential that Cape Verde continues to have a patriotic, experienced president capable of inspiring Cape Verdeans,” he said.
Amado, 61, is a lawyer and former justice minister. She is supported by the opposition Movement for Democracy and is campaigning under the slogan “Listen to Cape Verde.”
She said her emergence as the first woman to contest the presidency could encourage greater participation of women in public office.
“The election of a woman to the presidency would show many young women and young girls that no government job is barred from them,” she told reporters.
Another contender, 45-year-old surgeon Gilson Alves, has adopted a hardline campaign platform, promising to tackle corruption, permit gun ownership and restore the death penalty.
Economic challenges
Despite its economic progress, Cape Verde continues to grapple with social inequality, geographical isolation and limited affordable transportation between its islands.
The World Bank classified the country as an upper-middle-income economy in July, citing growth driven largely by its tourism sector.
However, the rising cost of living, fuel prices and youth unemployment remain major concerns among residents.
The leading candidates have pledged to improve air and sea transportation between the islands while expanding tourist accommodation facilities if elected.
