Cape Verde is set to potentially elect its first female president on Sunday, with former Justice Minister Joana Rosa challenging incumbent José Maria Neves, who is seeking a second term. If no candidate secures over half the votes, a runoff election will be held on November 29.
Rosa, supported by the opposition Movement for Democracy, marks the first time a woman has run for president since Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975. While women have held significant cabinet positions, the nation has not yet had a female prime minister or president.
In Cape Verde's parliamentary system, the prime minister holds the primary executive authority and directs government policy. The president's role is largely ceremonial, though the directly elected head of state does possess the power to veto legislation.
The Atlantic island nation, located off the coast of West Africa and home to approximately half a million people, has a reputation for peaceful power transfers and competitive elections, a rarity in its region. Almost one-fifth of the total electorate, totaling nearly 77,000 Cape Verdeans living abroad, are registered to vote.
Roselma Évora, a professor of political science and gender studies at the University of Cabo Verde, noted that many voters feel disconnected from their leaders and desire a president who understands their daily struggles. She also highlighted that limited economic prospects are compelling young people to seek opportunities overseas.
Incumbent José Maria Neves, who won the 2021 election with roughly 52% of the vote, has pledged to foster cross-party cooperation to improve housing, healthcare, and education, alongside efforts to create jobs and increase wages. Évora suggested that Neves's incumbency offers him greater visibility, particularly among overseas voters.
Rosa's campaign challenges traditional gender expectations in a society Évora described as "very patriarchal." Her platform emphasizes maintaining a balance of power, arguing that the country requires a check on the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), which backs Neves and currently controls the government and most municipalities. The PAICV secured a parliamentary majority in May, ending a decade of rule by the Movement for Democracy. A victory for Rosa would place the presidency and the government under opposing political parties.
Cape Verde-based writer Rosário Luz indicated that party affiliations might hold more sway than Rosa's gender, stating, "We have a lot of women in politics, but we don’t have the policies for women that we should have." Luz pointed out that while women bear a significant financial burden for their households, government policies have not adequately addressed this issue.