Presidential election in Cape Verde: an archipelago that is a model of democracy
View of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.
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Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
The presidential election takes place this Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Cape Verde.
Seven candidates are in the running to succeed President Jorge Carlos Fonseca after two terms.
The small Portuguese-speaking archipelago is recognized for its democratic stability.
While Mali and Guinea have been recently shaken by military coups, that some heads of state on the continent give in to the temptation of the third term, Cape Verde is a model.
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With our special correspondent in Praia
,
Charlotte Idrac
To each their own music,
the caravans of candidates
crisscross the tranquil Cape Verdean capital.
End of the campaign in a friendly atmosphere.
An exception
No coup, no third term, several factors explain this Cape Verdean exception, according to sociologist Roselma Evora: “
We are a small archipelago.
We are few.
We have a tradition of civilian governments.
We also have a constitutional configuration of separation of powers.
We have a parliamentary system here
.
"
In addition, the President of Cape Verde has limited powers, although he has a
veto
right
to refuse to promulgate a law.
He is also the supreme commander of the armed forces.
A deep-rooted democracy
Cape Verdean democracy is therefore well established, but there are still challenges, tempers Roselma Evora, in particular the domination of political life by two main parties, the MPD in government and the PAICV: “
Things are very concentrated with the two parties.
And if you are not inside this configuration, you are excluded.
I believe it is a risk.
We have many challenges for the issue of transparency, meritocracies, participation of young people and women in the public sphere
.
"
The outgoing president remains discreet.
Without a siren or imposing procession, Jorge Carlos Fonseca easily enters a coffee shop in a bakery in Praia.
“
It's like that in Cape Verde,
” smiles a customer.
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