The 2026 presidential election in Cabo Verde commenced on November 15, with the National Elections Commission (CNE) reporting that voting started normally across the country. According to the CNE, most polling stations opened before 8:30 am, despite some minor issues. A new monitoring system was implemented in the Praia municipality, covering 228 polling stations, to enhance the collection of information on the voting process.
The monitoring system aims to improve the oversight of electoral operations and provide more rapid and systematic information on the functioning of polling stations. Additionally, voters who encounter difficulties finding their designated polling station can use a free hotline, 800 10 14, for assistance. The CNE also provides information on voting locations through its website, www.eleições.cv, which will also display the election results after 6:00 pm.
Six candidates are running for the presidency, including Antero Tavares, Casimiro de Pina, José Maria Neves, Gilson Alves, Joana Rosa, and Loisito Sousa. A total of 419,448 voters are registered to participate in the election, with 343,065 in Cabo Verde and 76,383 abroad. The polling stations will operate from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. If no candidate secures more than half of the valid votes, a second round will be held on November 29.
International observers from five organizations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, are present in Cabo Verde to monitor the election. The observers will assess the electoral process and provide feedback. This is the eighth presidential election in Cabo Verde since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
Cabo Verde has had five presidents since its independence, including Aristides Pereira, António Mascarenhas Monteiro, Pedro Pires, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, and José Maria Neves, who won the 2021 election with 51.75% of the votes. According to the Constitution, the president must be a Cabo Verdean citizen by origin, at least 35 years old, and have permanent residence in the country for the three years preceding the candidacy.
The election process is being closely watched, with a focus on ensuring the integrity and transparency of the voting process. The CNE has taken measures to address potential issues and provide support to voters. The outcome of the election will determine the next president of Cabo Verde.
The presidential election is a significant event in Cabo Verde's democratic process. The country's electoral body has worked to ensure that the voting process is fair and efficient. The results of the election will be closely watched by the international community and the Cabo Verdean people.
Key points
- The 2026 presidential election in Cabo Verde began with normalcy across the country, with most polling stations opening before 8:30 am.
- A new monitoring system was implemented in the Praia municipality to enhance the collection of information on the voting process.
- Six candidates are running for the presidency, and a second round of voting will be held on November 29 if no candidate secures more than half of the valid votes.
