ECOWAS Launches Pre-Electoral Mission Ahead of Cape Verde Elections

The Economic Community of West African States has launched a pre-electoral fact-finding mission to Cape Verde as part of preparations for the country’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections.

The delegation is led by Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and has begun consultations with national authorities and political stakeholders to assess the pre-election environment.

The mission began with a briefing at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Cape Verde, hosted by Kelly Lopes. This was followed by a courtesy visit to Jorge do Livramento, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, during which the delegation presented the objectives of the mission and exchanged views on the institutional framework and national preparedness for the electoral process.

The delegation also visited the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre – Zone G, where they were received by Abdoulaye Dieng, Coordinator of the centre, and his team. Discussions highlighted the broader governance and security environment in which the elections will take place.

In the coming days, the mission is expected to meet with election management bodies, political parties, civil society organisations, regulatory institutions and international partners.

Legislative elections in Cape Verde are scheduled for May 17, 2026, while the presidential election will take place on November 15, 2026, with a possible second round on November 29 if no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round.

The mission’s on-the-ground assessment aims to strengthen dialogue, build trust among stakeholders and contribute to an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections, in line with the bloc’s Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.