Cabo Verde is celebrating the 34th anniversary of its Constitution, which came into effect on September 25, 1992. The Constitution marked a significant transition to a democratic state, and Olavo Freire, in an interview, praised the country's institutions, saying they are a sign of health and that pluralism is alive. However, he also noted that there is still a long way to go in consolidating democracy.
According to Freire, the Constitution is robust on paper, but the country's democracy still faces challenges, including the resilience of institutions, ethical requirements, and the maturation of a democratic culture. He cited the example of people being ostracized for having different opinions, indicating that there is still progress to be made. Despite advances, Freire emphasized that the path to a consolidated democracy is still long.
In other news, obtaining a driving license has become increasingly difficult in Cabo Verde, particularly in the capital city of Praia. The demand for driving licenses has increased in recent years, leading to difficulties in scheduling exams, while a shortage of instructors exacerbates the challenges faced by driving schools. This issue has become a significant concern for many citizens.
The country's electoral body, the Tribunal Constitucional, has announced the list of presidential candidates for the upcoming elections. Out of 11 candidatures submitted, five were accepted, and five were rejected, with one candidate withdrawing their application. The accepted candidates include Gilson Alves, Joana Rosa, José Maria Neves, Antero Tavares, and Casimiro de Pina.
The Conselho Superior de Magistratura Judicial and the Conselho Superior do Ministério Público have released their reports on the 2025/2026 judicial year. The reports provide an overview of the challenges faced by the judiciary and highlight areas for improvement. The judicial year has presented various challenges, and the reports aim to provide a comprehensive assessment.
The new academic year has begun in Cabo Verde, with several changes announced by the Ministry of Education. These changes include a revised evaluation model, extended school hours, and a reform of the secondary education system. The government aims to improve the quality of education and provide better opportunities for students.
In sports, Tatiana Mendes has made history by setting a new African record in freediving, reaching a depth of 81 meters. Mendes, who learned to swim at 24, aims to break the world record of 101 meters. Her achievement is a significant milestone for Cabo Verde's sports community, and she is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Key points
- Olavo Freire praises Cabo Verde's democratic institutions while highlighting challenges in consolidating democracy.
- The country faces difficulties in obtaining driving licenses, particularly in Praia.
- The new academic year begins with changes to the education system.
