Cape Verdean Presidential Election Begins as History-Making Female Candidate Challenges Incumbent

Joana Rosa and four other opposition contenders are contesting President Jose Maria Neves’ bid for a second term.

Published On 15 Nov 202615 Nov 2026

Voting has commenced in Cape Verde, where President Jose Maria Neves faces a significant challenge from Joana Rosa, the first woman to run for the presidency in the West African island nation. A central issue in this election is the urgent need to address the country’s persistent emigration crisis.

Over the course of Sunday, more than 300,000 eligible voters will cast their ballots between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (09:00 GMT to 19:00 GMT). The electorate will select from six candidates in a nation recognized for its political stability within a volatile region.

Neves, representing the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV)—the nation’s oldest political party—is considered the frontrunner. However, he faces a formidable challenge from Rosa, representing the Movement for Democracy party.

The 66-year-old Neves previously served as prime minister for 15 years before ascending to the presidency in 2021. His party secured 37 of the 72 parliamentary seats in May, which enabled Neves to appoint Francisco Carvalho, the former mayor of the capital, Praia, as prime minister.

Rosa, a former justice minister, makes history as the first female presidential candidate since the country gained independence in 1975. Her party held governance for a decade prior to the elections in May.

Cape Verde operates under a hybrid parliamentary-presidential system, where the president serves a mediating role and holds veto powers.

Tourism and National Identity

Located off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is a prominent tourism destination. The nation recently gained international attention following the success of its men’s football team in the World Cup knockout stages. Earlier this year, the country also dealt with a hantavirus outbreak affecting a cruise ship near its shores.

A lack of local employment opportunities has fueled long-standing emigration issues. Currently, the number of Cape Verdeans living in the diaspora exceeds the 500,000 residents living on the islands, with the majority settling in the United States and Portugal, the former colonial power.

Approximately 77,000 citizens living abroad are registered to vote through various embassies.

In his campaign for a second term, Neves has pledged to host a youth summit dedicated to tackling emigration. Conversely, Rosa has campaigned on the promise of a government that empowers young people to “build their futures here at home,” aiming to stem the continuous exodus of the nation’s youth.

Despite these promises, some citizens feel disconnected from the political establishment. Roselma Evora, a professor of gender studies and political science at the University of Cabo Verde, noted to the Associated Press that many voters believe politicians may not fully grasp the daily struggles of the populace.

Election results are expected within two to three days. To secure an outright victory, a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of the vote; otherwise, the top two contenders will head to a run-off election on November 29.

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