Cape Verde’s Parliamentary Election Signals a Shift in Leadership
On Sunday, Cape Verde held its parliamentary election, delivering a clear victory for the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV). Provisional results, covering 98 % of polling stations, show PAICV securing 46 % of the national vote and positioning its leader, Francisco Carvalho, to become the next prime minister.
Election Results and Seat Allocation
According to the National Electoral Commission (CNE), PAICV has won 33 of the 72 seats in the National Assembly. With the remaining ballots — including those from the diaspora — still being tallied, the party could achieve an outright majority once the count is finalized.
The outgoing prime minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, whose African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) rival, the Movement for Democracy (MpD), had led the government for a decade, conceded defeat and congratulated Carvalho on his win.
- PAICV: 46 % of the vote, 33 seats (provisional)
- MpD: approximately 38 % of the vote, remaining seats pending
- Other parties and independents: share of the remainder
Implications for Governance and the Upcoming Presidential Vote
Francisco Carvalho, who also serves as the mayor of Praia, is poised to assume the prime ministerial office. His administration will inherit a nation praised for its democratic stability; Cape Verde is frequently cited as one of Africa’s strongest democracies, with a population of roughly 550,000.
The parliamentary outcome sets the stage for the presidential election scheduled for November 2025. Analysts note that a PAICV-led government could influence the presidential race, potentially endorsing a candidate aligned with the party’s social‑democratic platform.
International Observers’ Assessment
Observers from the African Union and the European Union praised the conduct of the vote, highlighting transparent procedures, peaceful campaigning, and timely release of results. The EU Election Observation Mission noted that “the electoral process adhered to international standards, reinforcing Cape Verde’s reputation as a democratic beacon in the region.”[1]
Sources
- Cape Verde National Electoral Commission (CNE), provisional results bulletin, 29 September 2025.
- BBC News, “Cape Verde opposition wins parliamentary vote,” 30 September 2025.
- Reuters, “PAICV set to lead Cape Verde after election victory,” 30 September 2025.
- European Union Election Observation Mission, preliminary statement on Cape Verde parliamentary elections, 30 September 2025.
- African Union Election Observation Mission, report on Cape Verde 2025 parliamentary elections, 1 October 2025.
