Voters in Cape Verde have returned the main opposition party to power after ten years, although more than half of the electorate did not cast a ballot.
In the legislative elections held on May 17, the Partido Africano da Independência de Cabo Verde (PAICV) secured a decisive victory. The win ends a decade in opposition for the PAICV and unseats the ruling Movimento para a Democracia.
By winning an absolute majority, the PAICV now holds more than half of the seats in parliament, allowing it to form a government independently. Cape Verde’s President, José Maria Neves, is expected to formally appoint a new prime minister in the coming days to oversee a smooth and peaceful transition of power.
Despite the orderly conduct of the vote, turnout was historically low, with more than 53% of registered voters abstaining. The sharp decline in participation has raised concerns about voter engagement in the island nation off the West African coast.
Guinean political analyst Santos Nuno Mustas said the result reflects a clear desire for political change, but also highlights growing challenges in sustaining civic participation. He noted that while Cape Verde’s institutions continue to support peaceful transfers of power, high abstention points to voter apathy that the new leadership must urgently address.
Mustas added that the incoming administration will ultimately be judged on its ability to maintain stability, strengthen the economy, and rebuild public trust in the political system.
–ChannelAfrica–
