Cape Verde could elect first woman president since gaining independence in 1975

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Cape Verde could elect its first woman president as former Justice Minister Joana Rosa challenges incumbent José Maria Neves

Cape Verde could elect its first woman president as former Justice Minister Joana Rosa challenges incumbent José Maria Neves

Cape Verde could elect its first woman president Sunday as former Justice Minister Joana Rosa challenges incumbent José Maria Neves, who is seeking a second term.

Six candidates are competing, with a runoff scheduled for Nov. 29 if no candidate receives more than half the votes.

Rosa, backed by the opposition Movement for Democracy, is the first woman to run for president since independence from Portugal in 1975. Women have held senior cabinet posts, but Cape Verde has never had a female prime minister or president.

In Cape Verde’s parliamentary system, the prime minister directs government policy and holds most executive authority. The president’s role is largely symbolic, although the directly elected head of state can veto legislation.

The Atlantic island nation off West Africa, home to about half a million people, has a record of peaceful transfers of power and competitive elections in a region where that is rare. Nearly 77,000 Cape Verdeans abroad are registered to vote, almost a fifth of the total electorate.

Many voters feel distant from their leaders and want a president who understands their daily difficulties, while limited economic prospects were driving young people to seek opportunities abroad, said Roselma Évora, a professor of political science and gender studies at the University of Cabo Verde.

Neves, who won in 2021 with about 52% of the vote, has pledged to build cross-party support to improve housing, healthcare and education, create jobs and raise wages.

Incumbency gives Neves greater visibility, including among overseas voters, Évora said.

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