Cape Verde votes for president, with incumbent Jose Maria Neves favoured to win
The polls will remain open for 10 hours, with provisional results expected overnight.
- ✓The polls will remain open for 10 hours, with provisional results expected overnight.
- ✓Polls will remain open for 10 hours, with provisional results expected overnight.
- ✓According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2026 index on global governance, Cape Verde ranks third out of 54 countries on the continent.
- ✓Neves, a strong favourite, was first elected president in 2021.
Cape Verde holds a presidential election on Sunday, with incumbent Jose Maria Neves favoured to win a second term as head of state of the west African archipelago renowned for its democratic stability. Polls will remain open for 10 hours, with provisional results expected overnight.
The island nation made world headlines this year when its national football team reached the knockout stages in its first-ever World Cup, and when a cruise ship containing people with hantavirus docked off its shores. Located in the middle of the Atlantic approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of Senegal, the Portuguese-speaking country comprising 10 volcanic islands is attracting more tourists every year.
Unlike several of its west African neighbours, where presidential elections have been tense in recent years, Cape Verde is known for its political stability and good governance. It is considered a model of democracy in Africa, with strong economic growth.
The country is known for its "morabeza" ("hospitality", in local creole), openness, and carnivals. It also has its own style of music. According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2026 index on global governance, Cape Verde ranks third out of 54 countries on the continent.
The archipelago has a semi-presidential system in which the executive is dominated by the prime minister. The president does not govern but acts more as an arbiter, working to guarantee unity and uphold the constitution.
The head of state appoints the prime minister based on the results of legislative elections and represents the country abroad. Also Read | An immigrant deported by the US and held in an African prison for more than a year has been released Among the six candidates in the running on Sunday, two are frontrunners: incumbent Neves, 66, and Amado, 61, a lawyer and former minister of justice.
Each is supported by one of the country's two main parties. Neves, a strong favourite, was first elected president in 2021. From 2001 to 2016 he also served as prime minister and the president of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).
He has also been a mayor and a deputy. Neves has the support of the PAICV, which won legislative elections in May. "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 this week during a meeting.
His main challenger, Amado, is supported by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), the main opposition party.
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| Issuing Authority | Hindustan Times World |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | POLITICS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 15 November 2026 |