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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Cape Verde Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Praia, released July 1999

CHAPTER III:   Political Environment

With historic links dating back hundreds of years, Cape Verde and the U.S. enjoy excellent relations. This relationship has been enhanced by the emergence of a vibrant multi-party system in 1991. As a result of that balloting, a moderately centrist political movement -- the Movement for Democracy (MPD) -- captured a governing majority in the national assembly and thus gained control of the prime minister's office and the government. The MPD was returned to power with a larger majority in the general elections held in December 1995. Third general and municipal elections are scheduled to take place in 2000, while the presidential election is in 2001.

Cape Verde has a mixed presidential/parliamentary system of government. Day to day authority for government policy and implementation rests with the Prime Minister, his cabinet and the national assembly. The president of the country is elected directly by the people and serves as chief of state. He shares responsibility for foreign affairs and defense matters, but is required to consult closely with the government on these issues. The judiciary in Cape Verde generally operates independently and free of undue influence. There is a Supreme Court, headed by a president, which is spearheading the effort to broaden the concept of the rule of law and the proper role of an independent judiciary in a democratic system of government.

By all indications, corruption is rare. Nevertheless, opposition political parties and businessmen with no connections to the governing party have accused the MPD of favoritism in the awarding of contracts. In particular, they allege that companies with ties to cabinet ministers including the Prime Minister have been successful in obtaining a high number of government projects and contracts for services.