Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The country is divided in constituencies for legislative elections. For presidential elections, the whole country territory forms a single constituency. For municipal elections, constituencies correspond exactly to the territory of each municipality.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 102:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 372, 402, 406, 428:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 406 (2, 3): http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/04
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: The body responsible for defining and approving the constituency boundaries is the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional).
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 102 (2, 3):
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 406:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The candidate who obtains the absolute majority of valid votes cast is elected President. If none of the candidates obtains the absolute majority of votes, there shall be a second round between the two candidates that obtained the highest number of votes on the first round within 15 days of the latter.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 109, 113, 114, 125:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 374:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, in consultation with the political parties represented in the National Assembly and given the election results, the existence of political power and the existence of coalitions or alliances.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 194 (1):
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 109 - 114, 125 - 139:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The National Assembly is the national legislature.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 140:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The members of the National Assembly are elected by proportional representation from closed party lists.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 115, 116, 141:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 402, 408:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 104 - 118, 140, 141, 142:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 1:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Voting is not mandatory, but it is considered a civic duty.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 191:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Supreme Court of Justice and the Constitutional Court.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 97:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 20, 252, 353, 399:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 96:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 10, 18 (1- a):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: The National Electoral Commission develops its own budget plan which is submitted for approval to the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 28 (1, 2):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Court of Auditors
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 28 (4):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the National Electoral Commission are appointed for a term of 6 years.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 13 (1):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: The National Electoral Commission, which is the supreme electoral authority, is an independent and permanent body. The Directorate General for Support to the Electoral Process is a governmental department in charge of providing technical, administrative and logistical support to the electoral process. Its functions are exercised under the supervision and control of the National Electoral Commission.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 11, 18, 26:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026);
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 96:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Law-decree no. 29/2007 of 20 August 2007
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Commission is composed of 5 members.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 12:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026);
Official Website of the National Electoral Commission: https://cne.cv/estrutura-organica/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The President of the National Electoral Assembly must be a citizen of reputed merit, hold a degree in law, be in full possession of his/her civil and political rights and have at least seven years of professional experience. The remaining members of the National Electoral Assembly must be qualified citizens of recognised merit.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 12:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature
Comments: The members of the National Electoral Commission are elected by the National Assembly with a 2/3 majority of the deputies that are present.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 12 (1):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 181 (1-d):
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 18 (1-f):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Official Website of the Directorate General for Support to the Electoral Process: http://www.dgape.cv/index.php/faqs?view=faq&catid=2 (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/04
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 18 (1-f): http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016);
Official Website of the Directorate General for Support to the Electoral Process: http://www.dgape.cv/index.php/faqs?view=faq&catid=2 (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/04
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments: No information available.
Source:
Verified: 2026/04/04
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 55 (2):
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 5, 369, 403:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: All citizens of Cape Verde above 18 years old have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 55 (2): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 5, 369, 403: http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/04
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Voter Registration Commissions ("comissões de recenseamento") under the instructions of the National Electoral Commission. The Central Election Support Service (DGAPE) additionally provides technical, administrative, and logistical support.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 25, 42, 44, 45, 73:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 95 (2):
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 32, 33, 35:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/04
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: Legally established political parties or coalitions must submit lists of candidates between the 50th and 40th days preceding the date of the election. Coalition pacts must be registered with the Constitutional Court before the start of this registration period.
Each party list must contain a number of candidates equal to the number of seats to be filled in each constituency, and of alternate candidates in a number of not fewer than three, nor greater than the number of principal candidates. Furthermore, political parties, their coalitions or groups of independent citizens may not introduce to each electoral constituency more than one list of candidates for the same election.
No one may be candidate for more than one electoral constituency or appear on more than one list. The lists must also ensure a balanced representation of both sexes.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 106:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 340, 343, 347 348, 366, 374, 414, 430, 431: https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: All Cabo Verdean citizens who are registered voters above 18 years old are eligible to stand for elections to the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 117:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 8:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments: For legislative elections, independent candidates must be included in a party list or coalition. However, political party lists may include citizens not registered with any party, provided they are declared as such on the list.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 106:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 340, 341, 376:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: The State provides direct financial support to political parties and candidates through election-related subsidies. For presidential and legislative elections, the State grants a subsidy of at least 750 escudos per valid vote obtained in the previous election. For municipal elections, this amount is 500 escudos per vote. In presidential elections, the State budget specifically allocates funds to co-finance the campaigns of candidates who obtained at least 10% of the valid votes. A party or candidate cannot receive more than 60% of the total global state subvention calculated for that specific election.
The law provides several forms of indirect funding. During election campaigns, parties and candidates are entitled to free airtime on all radio and television stations, regardless of whether they are public or private. Candidates and parties have free access to state-owned or municipal buildings, venues, and journalistic spaces for their campaign activities. Documents and certificates required for the electoral census, the presentation of candidacies, or election-related appeals are exempt from all taxes, fees, and stamp duties. The government establishes special (reduced) tariffs for the distribution of electoral propaganda via postal or electronic mail.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 98, 102, 111, 117, 124 (1, 3), 128 267, 390:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: The state funding is distributed to political parties that participated in election in proportion to the valid votes obtained by each political party in each election.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 124 (3):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 124 (1):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 227:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted e . Court order f . Other
Comments: Ballots may be recounted under the following conditions: 1) The General Count Assembly (assembleia de apuramento geral) has the administrative authority to recount votes without a prior court order under specific circumstances, including if there are "well-founded doubts" about the initial count performed by a specific polling station board (however, it cannot change the qualification of votes in such an instance). 2) A recount is a built-in part of the initial counting process. After the initial tally where tellers announce the votes and record them on a board, the president of the polling station board must perform a counter-proof count (contraprova) by physically counting the ballots in the separate piles created for each candidate, list, blank, and null status. 3) A court order (including in response to protests lodged by candidates or mandataries with the Constitutional Court).
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 227, 239, 243 (2), 254 (2), 401 (2):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance b . Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: For legislative elections, airtime is shared among parties or coalitions in proportion to the number of candidates they represent in the current election. For presidential elections, airtime is distributed equally among all candidates competing for the Presidency.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 117:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Latest presidential election (2021) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bE5GeleExY (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: Sixty days prior to elections.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 105 (2-a):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provision regulating this matter.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 128:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 4 (1), 103, 157, 158, 160, 175 (i), 203 (2-a), 254 (1-c): https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 4 (1), 103, 157, 158, 160, 175 (i), 203 (2-a), 254 (1-c): https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The initiative to trigger an optional national referendum on issues of "relevant national interest" belongs to the National Assembly and the government. However, the Constitution explicitly prohibits several topics from being the object of a referendum, including the separation of powers, the independence of the courts, budgetary/tax instruments, and constitutionally established rights and liberties.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 4 (1), 103, 157, 158, 160, 175 (i), 203 (2-a), 254 (1-c): https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010:
https://www.parlamento.cv/Constituicao/ (2026);
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Constitution explicitly lists the direct initiative of a group of voting citizens as one of the three ways laws can be initiated in the country. This right is exercised by a group of voting citizens under terms and conditions that must be regulated by a specific law. Citizens also have a right of petition, by which they may present written petitions, complaints, or claims to sovereign bodies for the protection of their rights, the Constitution, laws, or the general interest. The Constitution mandates that petitions submitted to the National Assembly be submitted to the Plenary for assessment under the terms of the law.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 59, 157: http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010: http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The result of the referendum is binding to all the organs of political power and public and private entities.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 103 (5): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: The law does not restrict referendums only to specific legislative topics, provided they do not fall into the prohibited categories. Each referendum shall only have a sole question as its object and the following questions shall not, in any case, be submitted to popular scrutiny:
a) Separation and the interdependence of the organs of sovereignty and their powers;
b) Independence of the courts and their decisions;
c) Separation of churches from the State;
d) Appointment of the elected holders of the organs of sovereignty and of local administration by universal, direct, secret and periodic ballot;
e) Pluralism of expression, existence of political parties and associations and rights of the opposition;
f) Rights, liberties and guarantees established constitutionally;
g) National or local acts which have a budgetary, tributary or financial content;
h) Autonomy of the local administration, as well as the organization and competence of their organs.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 103 (3), 203 (2-a): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/05
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The local referendum always has a deliberative effect.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 176 (b), 103 (5, 7): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2026/04/05
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 199 (1):
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2026/04/05
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: The right to vote from outside the country is granted to Cabo Verdean citizens of both sexes who are over 18 years old and are registered in the electoral census abroad. However, participation is limited to national elections.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 186, 369, 372 (2), 373 (2), 402, 403, 409 (2), 418:
https://cne.cv/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Codigo-Eleitoral-Lei-n%C2%B0-92-V-99-de-8-de-fevereiro-com-as-sucessivas-alteracoes.pdf (2026)
Verified: 2016/05/04
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 129 (2): http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/04
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Electronic voting pilot program to be deployed in 2026 elections.
Source: Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 223 (5): http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
Voz do Archipelago (2026) - https://vozdoarchipelago.cv/noticias/cabo-verde-testa-votacao-eletronica-nas-presidenciais-de-2026/
Verified: 2026/04/05
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