Dates of last and next legislative elections:  2001/2006

Head of state: President Pedro Pires

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Cape Verde experienced a peaceful transition to multipartyism in 1991, when elections brought the MPD to power. Though there had previously been a decade of single-party rule under the PAICV, it had in fact operated a liberal system in which opposition and dissent were tolerated. The large Cape Verdean diaspora had an important influence in effecting the transition to multiparty politics.

The MPD was defeated in legislative elections in January 2001, when the PAICV was returned to power with an absolute majority. Pedro Pires of the PAICV was elected president the following month, beating his MPD rival by just 17 votes. The main issues for the government are economic development, forging new international partnerships, and responding to drought.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004