Politics of Cape Verde

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Cape Verde

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Cape Verde

President Pedro Pires Prime Minister José Maria Neves National Assembly Political parties PAICV - MpD - UCID Elections Foreign relations Cape Verde and the European Union

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Politics of Cape Verde takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Cape Verde is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The constitution first approved in 1980 and substantially revised in 1992 forms the basis of government organization. It declares that the government is the "organ that defines, leads, and executes the general internal and external policy of the country" and is responsible to the National Assembly.

Contents 1 Political conditions 2 Executive branch 3 Legislative branch 4 Political parties and elections 5 Judicial branch 6 Administrative divisions 7 International organization participation

[edit] Political conditions

Following independence in 1975, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) established a one party political system. This become the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) in 1980, as Cape Verde sought to distance itself from Guinea-Bissau, following unrest in that country.

In 1991, following growing pressure for a more pluralistic society, multi-party elections were held for the first time. The opposition party, the Movement for Democracy (MpD), won the legislative elections, and formed the government. The MpD candidate also defeated the PAICV candidate in the presidential elections. In the 1996 elections, the MpD increased their majority, but in the 2001 the PAICV returned to power, winning both the Legislative and the Presidential elections.

Generally, Cape Verde enjoys a stable democratic system. The elections have been considered free and fair, there is a free press, and the rule of law is respected by the State.

[edit] Executive branch

Main office holders

Office	Name	Party	Since
President	Pedro Pires	PAICV	22 March 2001
Prime Minister	José Maria Neves	PAICV	1 February 2001

The Prime Minister is the head of the government and as such proposes other ministers and secretaries of state. The Prime Minister is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the President. The President is the head of state and is elected by popular vote for a five-year term; the most recent elections were held in 2006.

[edit] Legislative branch

The National Assembly (Asembleia Nacional) has 72 members, elected for a five year term by proportional representation.

[edit] Political parties and elections

For other political parties see List of political parties in Cape Verde. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Cape Verde.

Main article: Cape Verde presidential election, 2006

[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 12 February 2006 presidential election results

Candidates, Nominating parties	Votes	%
Pedro Pires, African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde	86,583	50.98
Carlos Veiga, Movement for Democracy	83,241	49.02
Total (turnout 53.1%)	169,824	100.00
Source: National Electoral Commission.

Main article: Cape Verde parliamentary election, 2006

[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 22 January 2006 National Assembly of Cape Verde election results

Parties	Votes	%	Seats
African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (Partido Africano da Independência de Cabo Verde)	88,965	52.28	41
Movement for Democracy (Movimento para a Democracia)	74,909	44.02	29
Democratic and Independent Cape Verdean Union (União Caboverdiana Independente e Democrática)	4,495	2.64	2
Democratic Renewal Party (Partido da Renovação Democrática)	1,097	0.64	-
Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrático)	702	0.41	-
Total (turnout 54.0%)	170,168	100.00	72
Source: National Electoral Commission.

[edit] Judicial branch

[edit] Administrative divisions

Cape Verde is divided into 22 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho): Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Ribeira Grande de Santiago,Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina do Fogo, Santa Cruz, São Domingos, São Filipe, São Lourenço dos Órgãos,São Miguel, São Nicolau, São Salvador do Mundo, São Vicente, Tarrafal, Tarrafal de São Nicolau,

[edit] International organization participation

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, ITUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant)