Cape Verde president eyes new term as party builds on legislative win

PRAIA: Cape Verde President José Maria Neves is expected to win a second term on Sunday, an outcome that would cement full control of government by the island nation’s oldest political party after its victory in legislative elections earlier this year.

Situated more than 600 km (373 miles) west of mainland Africa, the former Portuguese colony is home to around only 500,000 people, although it made headlines this year when its men’s soccer team embarked on a fairytale run to the World Cup knockout stage.

Neves’ main challenger is Joana Rosa, a former justice minister and Cape Verde’s first woman presidential candidate. Analysts put Neves as the clear favorite to win another five years in office, after a race that has highlighted issues like employment and stemming outward migration.