The Constitutional Tribunal of Cabo Verde has approved five candidatures for the upcoming 2026 presidential elections, scheduled for November 15. The approved candidates are Gilson Alves, Joana Rosa, José Maria Neves, Antero Tavares, and Casimiro de Pina. According to the tribunal, these candidates fulfilled the constitutional and legal requirements, including conditions of eligibility and the minimum number of subscriptions required. The tribunal's decision was announced on September 22.
The approved candidates had varying numbers of subscriptions. Gilson Alves initially had 830 subscriptions but after a recount, he had 1,175 valid subscriptions from ten municipalities. Joana Rosa presented 1,689 verified subscriptions from 17 municipalities. José Maria Neves' candidacy was evaluated under the constitutional rules regarding presidential mandates, and the tribunal found no impediment to his candidacy. His team collected 1,374 subscriptions, including 1,271 from within the country, across 15 municipalities.
Antero Tavares submitted 1,046 complete subscriptions from 13 municipalities, meeting the requirements. The tribunal also clarified that notification of candidacy to the Superior Council of the Judicial Magistracy results in the automatic suspension of judicial functions, eliminating the need for prior administrative action. Casimiro de Pina's candidacy was validated after a recount increased his subscriptions from 889 to 1,128, spread across 15 municipalities.
The Constitutional Tribunal rejected five candidatures. Jorge Luís dos Santos failed to prove nationality and residency requirements, as well as provide sufficient evidence of electoral registration of subscribers. Fernando Rocha Delgado only had 220 complete subscriptions from four municipalities. Loisito Tavares de Sousa reached 1,009 subscriptions but lacked representation in at least ten municipalities. Jacinto Spencer dos Santos could not prove permanent residency in the country for the last three years or the electoral registration of the 141 subscriptions presented.
Amadeu Oliveira's candidacy was rejected due to ineligibility, stemming from a conviction to an effective prison sentence. According to the tribunal, current legal norms prevent individuals from running for the presidency during the fulfillment of their sentence. Oliveira is currently imprisoned at the Ribeirinha Prison in São Vicente. The tribunal also accepted the withdrawal of Péricles Tavares, communicated on September 18.
Tavares had contested the constitutional requirement of exclusive Cabo Verdean nationality for exercising the presidency. However, the tribunal did not rule on the constitutionality of the norm, instead referring the matter to the constituent legislator. This decision allows the electoral process to proceed with the approved candidates. The presidential elections are set to take place on November 15, 2026.
The Constitutional Tribunal's decision marks a significant step in the electoral process in Cabo Verde. With five approved candidates, the country is moving forward with preparations for the elections. The tribunal's role in ensuring that candidates meet the necessary requirements is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process. The approved candidates will now proceed with their campaigns, leading up to the November elections.
Key points
- Five candidatures approved for 2026 presidential elections in Cabo Verde
- Tribunal Constitucional rejects five candidatures due to various reasons
- Amadeu Oliveira's candidacy rejected due to ineligibility from a prison sentence
