Cape Verde votes for president, with incumbent Jose Maria Neves favoured to win

Detailed summary

The polls will remain open for 10 hours, with provisional results expected overnight. | World News

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.

He goes up against the country's first-ever woman candidate, Joana Rosa Amado, among other contenders, when voting starts at 8:00 am (0900 GMT).

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.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Hindustan Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.