Cape Verde’s Neves seeks second term and suspends presidential duties

During this period, the President of the National Assembly, Janira Hopffer Almada, will serve as acting president. The electoral code prohibits any presidential candidate from holding a position in a sovereign body from the moment they publicly announce their candidacy.

José Maria Neves subsequently formalized his candidacy on Tuesday, September 15, with the Constitutional Court, according to public television RTC. The 66-year-old head of state was elected in 2021 in the first round with over 51% of the votes.

The National Political Commission of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) has announced its support for his candidacy. Neves led this party for several years before assuming the presidency.

Nine individuals had announced their intention to run at the time of Neves’ declaration, according to AFP. Candidacy applications must be submitted to the Constitutional Court by Wednesday, September 16, for validation by the relevant authorities.

The election follows the legislative elections held on May 17. Cape Verde operates under a semi-presidential system in which the head of state and the government can come from different political backgrounds.

The presidential decree issued on July 30 sets the first round for November 15 and a potential second round for November 29.